La Orotava Links Pedestrian Future to Bypass Road

La Orotava is planning a major revamp of its historic center, aiming to gradually make it more pedestrian-friendly. Mayor Francisco Linares (CC) told DIARIO DE AVISOS that this plan relies entirely on building a bypass road. This bypass, first designed decades ago, is the town's most important unbuilt project, essential for easing traffic and improving how people get around.

Building this bypass would be a big investment and take a long time. It would link the Northern Highway (TF-5) to the mid-elevation road that leads to Teide National Park (TF-21). The mayor says the project needs funding from the national government. This would mean changing the road's official status from an "island road" to a "regional interest road," reflecting its importance as a main route to Teide National Park. The bypass route, originally planned in the 1990s, has been included in the town's new General Urban Development Plan (PGO), which is nearing completion.

The bypass would begin behind Risco Caído, close to the TF-5, and run alongside the La Arena ravine. It would then follow the northern side of the Los Ascanios pond, cross the Araucarias promenade, and pass through open spaces in areas like Cruz de la Cebolla, Los Frontones, and Las Dehesas. Finally, it would connect with the TF-21 near El Recodo, close to Santo Tomás de Aquino school, without impacting the Opuntia development. This bypass is seen as vital for redirecting the heavy traffic that currently cuts through the historic center, particularly vehicles heading to the higher parts of town and the La Perdoma and San Antonio neighborhoods. This diversion would then allow for future pedestrianization projects.

This plan aligns with the town's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. This plan, created by experts from the University of La Laguna (ULL) with input from community groups and residents, highlights that reducing internal traffic is crucial for improving quality of life, promoting sustainability, and cutting carbon emissions in the town.

As for the General Urban Development Plan, Mayor Linares stated that the Canary Islands government, the Tenerife Island Council (Cabildo), and the La Orotava City Council are currently reviewing the final reports. They expect this urban planning document to be officially approved before summer 2026, assuming no unexpected issues arise.

La Orotava also faces the challenge of updating the El Rincón Special Plan. This area has been a legally protected agricultural reserve for nearly 40 years. The current laws need to be updated to fit today's administrative and legal standards. While the core idea of protecting the area will remain, officials are looking for agreement on introducing additional uses that could provide extra income for landowners. This is seen as vital for ensuring that farming continues through future generations and remains economically viable, preventing farms from being abandoned. Agritourism, for example, is being considered as a suitable option that could generate income without changing the landscape or the fundamental purpose of the Special Plan.

Finally, the town is also considering a specific Mobility Plan to manage access to its beaches. This would require investment from the Consortium to improve existing access routes, which would then make it possible to introduce public transport to these areas – something that isn't currently feasible.