Tenerife Launches €66.4 Million Project to Expand Congested TF-5 Highway

The Canary Islands government is taking decisive action to tackle the chronic traffic congestion on the TF-5, Tenerife’s main northern highway. A €66.4 million project is set to add a third lane to the stretch between kilometers 11 and 15, heading toward the capital.

This upgrade is long overdue. The road was originally designed to handle 22,000 vehicles a day, but it now carries over 110,000, with peak times seeing as many as 4,500 vehicles per hour. This gridlock has significantly impacted both local productivity and the quality of life for residents. Officials expect work to begin by mid-2026.

The project is currently in the final stages of the bidding process, with nine proposals under review and a contract expected to be awarded this April. Once construction starts, the project is scheduled to take three years to complete. The plan includes reconfiguring the junctions at Guamasa, Tenerife North Airport, and San Lázaro. A key feature will be a "racetrack-style" roundabout, designed to improve traffic flow and ease congestion at the busy San Lázaro access point.

Regional President Fernando Clavijo and Cabildo President Rosa Dávila have both highlighted the project as a vital step for the island’s economic growth. Public Works Minister Pablo Rodríguez confirmed that the construction is designed to keep traffic moving, ensuring that existing lanes remain open throughout the process. Once finished, the expansion is expected to increase the road's capacity by 50%, finally bringing this outdated infrastructure in line with modern demands.