Tenerife Traffic Gridlock Persists as Commuters Question Cabildo’s Pledges

Traffic in Tenerife is back in the spotlight as the new academic year begins, highlighting a growing divide between campaign promises and the daily reality for commuters. According to Diario de Avisos, Cabildo President Rosa Dávila is under pressure to deliver on a pledge made in April 2023, when she promised to implement effective solutions to road congestion within 90 days of taking office.

The Padre Anchieta junction remains the primary bottleneck. Despite the long-awaited opening of a pedestrian footbridge last May, traffic remains heavy. The bridge, designed to separate pedestrians from cars, has done little to ease the gridlock on a road that carries over 140,000 vehicles every day. For many residents, the resulting loss of time during their daily commute has become an exhausting, permanent part of their routine.

The Cabildo maintains that its measures are working. President Dávila points to data from the General Directorate of Traffic and the Civil Guard, which suggest a 10% improvement in travel times during the early morning. She attributes the ongoing congestion to a temporary adjustment period following the return of students and workers, and she expects traffic flow to be optimized by 2027.

However, this official optimism clashes with the experience of drivers during rush hours, particularly between 7:00 and 9:00 AM and 2:00 and 4:00 PM. Efforts such as staggering school schedules, shuttle buses, and high-capacity bus services have yet to clear the jams. The situation is expected to become even more challenging as more students return to classes, putting further pressure on the Cabildo. Many residents remain skeptical, arguing that simpler changes, such as adjusting traffic light timing, could have provided more immediate relief.