The works of the High Speed Train in Durangaldea are being vigorously executed, the two sections that will join Abadiño and Elorrio were awarded in 2019 and will cost a total of EUR 165 million. Among them, the construction companies provide for the construction of thirteen viaducts, three steps and a tunnel, some of them from Sacyr, Tecsa, Mariezkurrena and Dragados. This is one aspect of the “Basque Y” link, which will connect the three CAPV territories with a triple rail network.

Although the award was made a year ago, the heaviest works coincided with the closure of Covid-19 and in Atxondo, for example, all the people were painted for works. The movements and agents opposed to the infrastructure foresee that the construction of the TAV has a great impact on the landscape. In addition, two months ago several villages and historic houses were demolished in Atxondo and Abadiño.

The situation has generated great concern in the region, where mobilizations are increasing. Proof of this has been the success of the cycling march that has been organised this Saturday. In recent months there have been images that we have not become accustomed to seeing: dozens of people participated in the journey that Abadiño and Elorrio joined.

The participants had the opportunity to see the “destruction” that is taking place with the works of the TAV in the Mendiola area. Then the march was carried out a hamaiketako in Atxondo and ended in Elorrio: “We have gathered more than 200 people, children, young and not so young, glued to glued, to say that we come to the TAV. To say that we continue with enthusiasm and desire and to show that in the Duranguesado we are in network and eager to continue working,” he explained in Atxondo AHT ez! groups.

Opponents of the TAV see more reason than ever to paralyse these works, and recall the recent data from the European Union Court of Auditors that the infrastructure will be launched almost 30 years behind. “In this way, the infrastructures that have been built up so far would be outdated and, therefore, the renovation work would be carried out again. This has neither feet nor heads,” they say.

In their opinion, only one third of the APR route is completed and the majority is still pending: “So, you can stop and you have to stop.”