Túnel de Vielha - El viejo túnel

Refuge "Hospital de Vielha" situated in South portal of tunnel.

OLD WAY TO THE ARAN VALLEY (VAL D'ARAN)
Until the construction of the old Vielha tunnel, the Aran Valley communication with Spain was made by the Bonaigua Mountain pass (2072 m.a.s.l.) and the old Vielha pass (2450 m.a.s.l). This caused that great part of the year the Valley was isolated of rest of Spain. In the proximities of the South portal is the "Hospital" of travelers (mountain refuge).

At 1948, the Vielha tunnel was world's longest road tunnel

LIFE CHANGE IN THE ARAN VALLEY
The communication with Spain becomes reality. The works of construction prolonged for more than 22 years. Finally the primitive idea of Paschal Madoz is reality.

Tunnel view in 1960

VIELHA TUNNEL IN THE PAST
Vielha Tunnel with 5260 m of length allows the communication of Ribagorza and Aran Valley regions.

Actual view of North portal of tunnel

NORTH PORTAL OF TUNNEL
The North portal of tunnel is situated to 1400 m.a.s.l., It's near to confluence of port gully with the Nere river. Also it's situated next of actual center control.

M Actual view of South portal of tunnel.

SOUTH PORTAL OF TUNNEL
The South portal of tunnel is situated in the head of Barrabes Valley. The portal of tunnel is to 1605 m.a.s.l.

Provisional parkings for trucks.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS FOR THE TRUCKS
The security in the tunnel is very low due to the increase of the traffic of heavy vehicles. Two parkings in both portals regulates the passage of trucks.