La Laguna Upgrades Historic Streets to Balance Heritage and Modern Accessibility
The San Cristóbal de La Laguna City Council has completed essential infrastructure repairs and accessibility upgrades across its historic center to balance heritage preservation with modern urban demands.
Preserving the historic center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna—a UNESCO World Heritage site—is a constant balancing act between protecting its heritage and meeting the needs of a modern city. The local City Council’s Department of Works, Infrastructure, and Accessibility has recently finished repairs on several pedestrian streets damaged by heavy traffic and delivery vehicles.
The council’s approach went beyond simple surface fixes. At busy spots like the intersection of Tabares de Cala and San Agustín, crews excavated the ground to stabilize the soil before laying new pavement. This also provided an opportunity to upgrade outdated underground plumbing and utility access points.
Ángel Chinea, the councilor for the area, noted that the work was phased to minimize disruption. To keep traffic moving, the council has delayed larger repairs at the intersections of Tabares de Cala with Herradores and Carrera streets until the summer, when school is out and traffic is lighter.
Crews have been busy across major commercial streets, including Viana, Bencomo, and Alonso Suárez Melián, where they used high-strength mortar to ensure the paving stones last longer. Near the Plaza del Cristo, the city also remodeled the area to improve accessibility for shoppers, parents with strollers, and people with disabilities who previously struggled with the uneven ground.
Looking ahead, the city is researching advanced engineering materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. The goal is to find solutions that look appropriate for a historic setting while providing the durability needed to keep the streets safe and accessible for everyone.