Two projects built by Ferrovial in Spain and the Dominican Republic win the VIII International Puente de Alcántara Prize

The VIII International Puente de Alcántara Prize, awarded every two years by Fundación San Benito de Alcántara, was granted this year to two projects built by Ferrovial: the Piedrafita bridges on the A-6 Northwestern highway and the multiple use project of the Mao river (the Monción dam in the Dominican Republic).

Structuring and improving communications 
The Piedrafita bridges, built by Ferrovial, completed the latest radial highway in Spain (Madrid-A Coruña). With a total of 53.44 km, the section comprises six double tunnels, one cut-and-cover tunnel, 41 new viaducts, five overpasses and 23 underpasses.

The jury acknowledged this project´s social importance for the structure and development of Galicia and its main cities since it provides the region with a rapid safe link to the rest of Spain and Europe, putting an end to the region´s long-standing isolation.

The jury also highlighted the appropriate use of geotechnical, imaginative and bold solutions in a very complex project from a technical standpoint and the attainment of exemplary interaction between the road layout and the region´s difficult relief, coupled with adequate protection of natural spaces and zones of cultural interest.

Impact on economic development
The multiple use project in the river Mao was developed by Ferrovial in the provinces of Santiago and Santiago-Rodríguez in the north of the Dominican Republic. The project included the construction of the Monción dam, the downstream hydroelectric plant and the Monción compensating reservoir.

In this case, the jury recognized the impactproved to be of vital importance in some aspectson the economic development of a traditionally depressed region of infrastructure that will help to alleviate the chronic shortage of water and energy, mitigate the negative effects of floods, reduce erosion and promote well-being and employment in the region.

Ferrovial wins the prize for the fourth consecutive time
Ferrovial has won this major prize for the fourth consecutive time. Previously, the prizes were obtained for the Regenta Arch (Asturias), Guggenheim Museum (Vizcaya) and the expansion of Madrid metro.

The biennial International Puente de Alcántara Prize, created in 1988, awards public works of great cultural, technological, aesthetical, functional and social importance in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world.