Views: 9
Several organisations from different fields are joining forces to call for the Rafal Rubí junction to be executed in a way that respects the heritage values of the area. Associations or individuals who wish to support this cause can submit objections until this Friday, 16 May.
Attached to this note, you will find templates that can easily be adapted. Feel free to add or remove whatever you consider appropriate.
A high-impact construction in a protected heritage area
The construction of a two-level overpass is currently open for public consultation by the Island Council of Menorca. With the additional access and exit lanes and the elevation of the road by around 6 metres, the impact on the area would be considerable. This site is part of the Outstanding Universal Value of Talayotic Menorca, specifically in what is known as Component 6. The entire area where the bridge is planned lies within the spaces declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
It is difficult to understand such contradictions, especially when there are several alternative solutions—feasible, legal, and safe—to solve the road connection.
In the objections, it is pointed out that the same engineer now proposed to lead the works at the Rafal Rubí junction, and the same Mobility Department of the Island Council, have recently implemented completely different types of solutions on the main road.
Between Ferreries and Ciutadella, on the same main road and on a section with even heavier summer traffic, single-level U-turn systems have been implemented, such as at the entrance to Alocs, the quarry truck access points, and the access to the Naveta des Tudons (which is often the most visited monument in Menorca, both by tourists and bus tours).
Even more recently, the current Island Council administration approved works on the Maó to Alaior section, up to Alcaidusset. At the junction with the airport road (one of the island’s busiest), a surface-level roundabout is planned. Further along, a side lane is included to allow U-turns. This clearly shows that other technical solutions exist.
By contrast, the Rafal Rubí and Alcaidús roads have very low traffic volumes, which do not justify a two-level construction—especially when the land is part of protected World Heritage zones.
Contradictions with the Territorial Plan and shortcomings in Heritage assessments
The objections also state that the project contradicts multiple articles of the Menorca Territorial Plan (PTI). All zones included in the World Heritage listing are designated as specially protected rural land, and various sections of the land-use planning documents establish that it is a priority to avoid impacts on these areas.
It is also pointed out that the Heritage Department reports included in the file are from before Menorca was declared a World Heritage Site. One report dates back to 2012, the other to 2015.
The assessment commissioned from the private consultancy led by Jordi Tresserras is entirely based on the premise that only the two-level bridge solution is acceptable. As such, the heritage evaluation is conditioned by the Mobility Department, which has no competence in heritage matters.
How to submit objections
Both individuals and formal organisations can submit objections to the project.
There are two ways to do this:
- Online submission (recommended)
- Submission at public offices
1. ONLINE SUBMISSION
You must have a digital certificate accepted by the Island Council of Menorca (such as the electronic DNI, FNMT certificate, etc.) or a citizen PIN to identify yourself and start the procedure. Once the objection template is filled out with your personal details, you must convert the document to PDF before submission.
📎 The submission link is available [here].
2. SUBMISSION AT OFFICES
You can submit your objection at the Island Council offices in Maó and Ciutadella, or at municipal offices in towns that do not have their own Council office. Bring two signed paper copies and ask for one to be stamped and returned to you.
Help amplify this action by sharing this message with friends and colleagues!
Remember: deadline is Friday, 16 May.