Background

The Project is a 25-year availability-based road with the Infrastructure Department of the Region of Aragon. It consists of the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of an existing 187 km road with 27 bridges and culverts, located in the province of Teruel. The Project includes a construction period of 30 months.
This contract was tendered to upgrade the existing roads in the region of Aragon through a bidding process of 11 contracts (itineraries). Meridiam consortium was awarded with itinerary 10.

Most of the construction works consist of 150km pavement rehabilitation, with comprehensive upgrade on 37km, of which 4km will be brand new. Due to the low population density in the 4th largest Region of Spain, most of the road sections have had little maintenance in the past decade leading to degraded infrastructure standards. The Project will thus ensure the upgrade of this infrastructure promoting safety and regional activity.

These roads will contribute to the development of the region fighting against depopulation by providing transport infrastructure with the highest quality standards. To further promote regional activity and ensure workforce availability, a local partner was included in the consortium.

Stage:

Commercial Close

ESG Matters:

SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) – The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these roads will reduce travel time and increase their safety by improving infrastructure standards to support the region’s growth. This will contribute to the increase and diversification of regional business activity. To further promote regional activity and ensure workforce availability, a local partner was also included in the consortium.

SDG 9 (Industry, innovation and infrastructure) – The consortium proposed to the Grantor the use of more resilient materials and the recycling and reuse of the existing pavement. This would reduce overall  CO2 emissions, extend the lifespan of materials and minimise the use of new resources, contributing to a circular economy.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) – Improvement of the region’s road network will tackle depopulation and reduce the overall number of accidents. The Project will also contribute to the roads’ environmental integration and performance with improved water drainages.

Image source: Freepik