Repair and Recovery of the Aqueduct
Aigües de Reus has awarded the works to restore, recover and improve the aqueduct of the old Almoster irrigation canal that transported water to Reus, as well as the bridge itself and its surroundings. As reported by the City Council in a statement, the start of the work, which will involve an investment of 103,467 euros, will be immediate.
State of Deterioration
Currently, the area is in a remarkable state of deterioration due to the use of the infrastructure and vehicle traffic over the bridge. The Pont dels Calderons, located on the Camí antic de Castellvell, is a stone bridge that right next to it, and at the same height, has an aqueduct that was built between 1444 and 1449.
History and Importance
This infrastructure was part of the channel that carried water from the Almoster irrigation system to supply the city of Reus.
Planned Performances
The works, with a deadline of three months, have been awarded to the company Agrovial. The project includes three types of interventions. On the one hand, the restoration and recovery of the upper part of the bridge to improve its aesthetic and functional quality. On the other hand, it is planned to change the pavement of the road that leads to this infrastructure. Finally, the adaptation of a new area will be carried out as a viewpoint of the old aqueduct, creating a space to stop, rest and climatic refuge for pedestrians who travel along the path, which is quite busy.
Lookout and Landscape Integration
As for the viewpoint, it is about enabling it to allow a better view of the aqueduct and the arch of Pont dels Calderons, as well as the ravine that bears the same name, while working on the integration of all these elements and the creation of a landscape environment suitable for the current uses of this path, which is used as a GR area and for sportsmen and pedestrians.
Alderman’s assessment
The councilor responsible for the service, Daniel Rubio, has stated that “the city of Reus has a long history of using water, and putting value on spaces like the Pont dels Calderons is a good way to take care of this heritage , while improving the quality of life of citizens.”
