Tenerife Launches €66 Million Tender to Expand Congested TF-5 Highway

Tenerife is set to tackle its long-standing traffic issues following a joint announcement by the Island Council and the regional government. They have officially launched the tender for a third lane on the TF-5 highway, specifically for the busy stretch between Guamasa and San Lázaro. This project aims to relieve a road that carries 110,000 vehicles every day—a clear sign that the current infrastructure can no longer keep up with the metropolitan area's needs.

The project, which has a budget of 66.4 million euros, is expected to take 35 months to complete. Beyond simply adding a lane, the plan includes a major redesign of the airport interchanges and the areas around Guamasa and San Lázaro. A key feature is a new "racetrack" interchange, which will allow roughly 25% of traffic to enter and exit the highway without disrupting the main flow of vehicles.

To keep traffic moving during construction, the plan ensures that two lanes will remain open in each direction at all times. The project also includes significant drainage improvements, such as six storm tanks and filter wells, to prevent flooding in the nearby commercial zones.

This initiative revives a plan that had been stalled since 2017. The current administration has updated the proposal and made it a top priority for the Canary Islands government. President Fernando Clavijo and Island President Rosa Dávila have positioned this project as part of a wider strategy to improve both road networks and public transport, addressing a major concern for local residents.

The contract is expected to be signed before the summer. Once underway, the project aims to reduce congestion during peak hours—when up to 4,500 vehicles use the road at once—and improve overall safety on this vital route for Tenerife’s economy. Officials credit the collaboration between government bodies for finally unlocking this essential infrastructure project.