It was a marvellous idea by President Marc Pons for the Consell Insular to arrange a "Puertas Abiertas" and an opportunity for everyone to see the work in progress of the by-pass and especially the completed excavations of the tunnel. As advertised in the press several of us had separately telephoned to book our times of visiting opting for a 10.00am slot.
After the beautiful weather of Saturday we left Mahón in light rain which gradually worsened as we drove west. Arriving at Ferreries we checked in at the desk and boarded one of the waiting minibuses together with our guide, a young lady public works engineer from the site who accompanied us throughout the visit. Entering the area of excavations at the Cala Galdana roundabout under construction, the wet subsoil eventually became too much for the mini bus and we elected to proceed on foot. Luckily we had all come suitably prepared with wet weather clothing and sturdy footwear. Arriving at the tunnel entrance and donning safety helmets we proceeded through the tunnel. Our engineer guide proved her intimate knowledge of the construction and informed us throughout of the methods being used, the reinforcement and the eventual levels and finishes. She pointed out the various underpasses already constructed for secondary road and tracks and also the foundations and anchor points for the new steel bridge being erected on the Sant Patrici road. Amongst our number we had a retired mining engineer from the North of England and some of the very large drilling and guniting machinery being employed proved of particular interest.
Having walked the length of the tunnel and the approaches we were met by another mini bus to return us to our parked cars. Muddy shoes and wet clothes, but well worth it.
What a shame that the worsening rain meant the annulment immediately after we returned and that later visitors were unable to take advantage of viewing this highly interesting project.
We give full marks to all who arranged this extremely well organised opportunity.