The first phase of the Ermua West Bypass, known as Urtia, is nearing its definitive implementation. The Governing Council of the Bizkaia Provincial Council is set to give its final approval this Thursday, May 7, to the project, which has a tender budget of 20,777,458 euros. This administrative milestone will pave the way for construction to begin before the end of 2026, with an estimated execution period of 36 months.
The news was detailed this Tuesday by the provincial deputy for Infrastructure and Territorial Development and the mayor of Ermua, who outlined a plan primarily aimed at removing trucks from the heart of the municipality. The provincial official described the action as a “strategic” piece for the territorial structuring, confirming the full institutional commitment. The second phase of the project, which will cross Mallumendi mountain, is already in the drafting stage to ensure continuity of work as soon as this first stage concludes.
“"We will continue to monitor so that this project does not deviate again; if we are here today, it is thanks to the social pressure and constant follow-up we have carried out from the municipality."
Despite the administrative progress, the announcement was marked by the firm tone of the mayor, who recalled that Ermua has suffered decades of noise and lack of safety due to a project that has accumulated “many delays” and for which citizens now need “certainties and not just announcements.” The mayor warned that the City Council will not lower its level of demand to ensure that deadlines are met precisely, emphasizing her responsibility to residents who have seen the solution postponed year after year.
Technically, the new route will connect the old N-634 with the BI-3302 road via three main roundabouts located in Urtia, Izarra, and Zearreko. The engineering will adapt to the local topography through the construction of three key structures: the Urtia viaduct, 100 meters long; a new bridge over the Zubitegi stream to improve the riverbed; and a third structure in the Izarra ravine that will prepare the connection with the future Phase II. Road safety will be enhanced with an urban access road that will incorporate a pedestrian route, with design speeds of up to 60 km/h on the bypass, 30 km/h on roundabouts, and 20 km/h on the access.
Respect for the environment will also influence the excavator schedule, as no work will be carried out in the Zubitegi stream area between March 15 and July 31, as it is a protected area for the European mink. Additionally, riverbed improvement actions using bioengineering techniques and a landscape restoration plan with native species such as Atlantic oak forests and Cantabrian alder groves will be implemented, aiming to integrate the new infrastructure into its surroundings.
