What can be done about the feared Villanueva tunnel in the Center?
Passing through the Villanueva underpass—800 meters connecting the west with the center of Medellín—is one of those journeys that makes more than one person pray...
TL;DR
- The Villanueva underpass in Medellín is a dangerous 800-meter tunnel connecting the west with the city center, characterized by darkness and homeless encampments.
- A recent fatal accident occurred when a car ran over four homeless individuals, killing two and injuring two.
- Past incidents include a 2014 taxi accident that killed three homeless people and a 2015 robbery of tourists by homeless individuals.
- The area suffers from 74 reported robberies and eight personal injury cases this year, indicating ongoing safety issues.
- Despite repeated attempts to repair tunnel lighting, homeless individuals continue to damage the lamps, maintaining the perpetual darkness.
- The Gerencia del Centro has conducted over 20 interventions this year focusing on cleaning and maintenance, covering significant square footage.
- The Secretariat of Social Inclusion has provided ongoing social support and services to over 1,213 individuals this year.
- A past promise by former mayor Daniel Quintero to remove the overpass roof has not been fulfilled, with the current administration having no such project planned.
- The Secretariat of Infrastructure confirmed there is no project in execution for the demolition of the slabs over the underpass, and no definitive solutions are being proposed.
- The city has intensified recovery efforts in critical sectors like La Playa and Avenida Oriental with deep cleaning operations and social support for vulnerable populations.