Vehicle movement through Havana's Bay Tunnel, specifically the Cabaña-to-Havana direction, was restored on Saturday morning after a closure caused by water accumulation that had rendered the tunnel impassable.
The blockage of the tunnel's drainage systems, resulting from heavy swells that hit the Cuban capital, led to the temporary shutdown, according to a Facebook post from the Havana Transportation Directorate. The agency stated that swift action from local authorities, with support from specialized teams and equipment, successfully cleared the accumulated water, allowing traffic to flow normally once again on this crucial route.
The Directorate noted that investigations into the root causes of the issue are ongoing, aiming to prevent future incidents in the Bay Tunnel, which has faced significant deterioration over recent years. Despite ongoing maintenance efforts, including work conducted last May, the tunnel has frequently been closed for repairs in recent months.
Social media users have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of these maintenance activities, pointing out that such closures have become routine during heavy rainfalls, disrupting the daily commute for thousands of vehicles.
Havana's Bay Tunnel, a vital piece of the city's infrastructure, has undergone numerous interventions throughout its more than 65-year history, including a major overhaul in 2001 by the French company that originally constructed it.