Tenerife: The mayor of Arona doubts the feasibility of a tunnel to the port of Los Cristianos
The mayor of Arona has expressed doubts about the feasibility of the tunnel project through Mount Chayofita to improve the connection between the port of Los Cristianos and the TF-1 highway, fearing a negative impact on the town.
In the town of Arona, there is uncertainty about whether to even conduct a tender for a study aimed at improving the connection between the port of Los Cristianos and the Southern Highway. This tender was announced by the Council for Public Works, Housing, and Transport of the Canary Islands.
The mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes, believes that building a tunnel through Mount Chayofita to connect the port with the roundabout on Chayofita Avenue (which is the busiest section in the city) is "unrealistic."
The Council for Public Works explained that the new underground passage would have to go through volcanic rock, and there are many buildings on the surface. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study whether this is technically possible and how to prepare the ground so that the buildings are not damaged.
Fátima Lemes does not hide her doubts and concerns, as the construction will affect a very sensitive area with many buildings and heavy traffic. In addition, such a project will be implemented "not very soon." The mayor says that although she is not an engineer, she knows the area well, and if this project is implemented, "even in ten years, it will mean burying the heart of Los Cristianos." She believes that "this is not the best option," but supports conducting technical studies. "I hope they show that it is impossible, not only from a geological point of view, but also from a social, economic, and environmental one," she added.
The mayor of Arona insists that the problem of traffic jams in Los Cristianos should be solved "with the most realistic and effective projects." For example, with an underground road between Chayofita Avenue and the Southern Highway (TF-1). The tender for the project and construction of this road has already been announced, she noted.
The Main Directorate of Road Infrastructure of the Canary Islands has put out to tender the development of a study on improving the connection between the port of Los Cristianos and the TF-1 highway. The tender budget is almost 600,000 euros. The goal is to "update and develop a comprehensive proposal that would solve transport problems in this southern area of Tenerife."
The tunnel through Mount Chayofita, "which will directly connect the port with Chayofita Avenue, more efficiently distributing traffic flows," will be just over 600 meters long. The project will affect a complex built-up area, where many buildings were built 30 years ago.
Los Cristianos is to become an important transport hub for the tourist area. A traffic interchange is planned to be built on Chayofita Avenue (which is "very necessary," according to the mayor) and the Southern Train will be conducted. All this must be taken into account when deciding how to connect the port to the highway.