Tenerife Launches Environmental Protection Measures Alongside Major TF-1 Highway Upgrade
The Cabildo de Tenerife has launched a new environmental surveillance team for the La Caleta de Adeje protected site while simultaneously approving a 16-million-euro renovation project for the TF-1 highway.
Tenerife’s local government is balancing two major priorities this week: upgrading the island’s road network and protecting its most fragile natural sites. The Cabildo de Tenerife has announced a new permanent surveillance team for the La Caleta de Adeje Site of Scientific Interest, while simultaneously approving a major renovation of the TF-1 highway.
To protect the La Caleta ecosystem, a team of 13 officers—including environmental agents and police—will now monitor the area. This follows a 487,000-euro investment that began in 2021 to clear illegal camps and replant over 3,500 native plants. The site, which has been protected since 1987, is a critical nesting ground for seabirds. Authorities recently dismantled several illegal tents and issued seven fines, highlighting the ongoing challenge of protecting this sensitive environment from unauthorized use.
At the same time, the Cabildo has approved over 16 million euros to resurface an 18.3-kilometer stretch of the TF-1 highway, a vital route connecting Santa Cruz to the Güímar Valley that serves roughly 70,000 vehicles daily. The project is split into two contracts: one covering Santa Cruz and El Rosario for 8.9 million euros, and another covering El Rosario, Candelaria, and Güímar for 7.1 million euros.
The roadwork goes beyond simple paving; it includes installing noise-reducing, high-grip surfaces and using recycled materials to improve sustainability. Following a public consultation period, the project is expected to go out to tender within a month. The Cabildo aims to use these upgrades to improve road safety, modernize signage, and ensure the island’s infrastructure meets modern mobility and safety standards.