The works to open up the Deusto canal will begin next May 14th

The works to definitively open up the Deusto canal and the construction of the new bridge between Deusto and Zorrotzaurre will begin next Wednesday, May 14th.

This was confirmed this morning in a press conference held by Covadonga Solaguren, Vice-minister for Housing of the Basque Government and José Luis Sabas Bilbao City Councillor responsible for Works and Services.

The opening of the Deusto canal, which will convert Zorrotzaurre into an island was deemed necessary by the different hydrological studies undertaken in order to minimise the risk of flooding in Zorrotzaurre and in the surrounding areas of Bilbao.

The opening (420 metres in length, 75 metres in width and around 365,000m2 excavated) will create a greater width of water reducing the depth of the same.

Covadonga Solaguren underlined that these works are a milestone in the major urban regeneration of Bilbao on the new Zorrotzaurre island.

José Luis Sabas pointed out how the opening up of the canal is going to change the layout of the city and that the works are to be carried out with minimum disruption to neighbours and companies and with the maximum levels of safety.