- 31 accidents reported in Orihuela’s coastal roads from January to June 2025 due to poor road conditions.
- Most accidents linked to potholes; only one resulted in injuries (electric scooter fall).
- Main affected roads include Carretera de Villamartín-Los Dolses and Cabo Creus (Lomas de Cabo Roig).
- A local neighborhood association filed a complaint for alleged negligence in road maintenance.
- The Public Prosecutor’s office dismissed criminal charges citing no intentional wrongdoing.
- The municipal government paused road maintenance after contract expiration in February but resumed work through municipal services in July.
- Recent resurfacing done in torrezenia, but residents demand wider coverage of repairs.
Orihuela Faces Rising Road Accidents as Poor Coastal Infrastructure Sparks Concern
A recent report from the Local Police of Orihuela has revealed alarming traffic safety concerns along the municipality’s coastal roads. Within the first six months of 2025, a total of 31 accidents were recorded, directly attributed to poor road conditions such as potholes and pavement deterioration.While most of these incidents involved damage to vehicle tires, one accident caused injuries after a rider of an electric scooter fell due to hitting a pothole on Calle Acuario.
Top Affected Roads by Road Damage
The report compiled by the Traffic Judicial Police Unit details the following roads with the highest number of incidents:
- Carretera de Villamartín-Los Dolses: 5 accidents
- Cabo Creus (Lomas de cabo Roig): 4 accidents
- Other affected streets with 2 accidents each include Piscis, Capricornio, Virgo (La Florida), California, Carretera de Villamartín, R. Wagner, Orquídeas (playa flamenca), and others.
A Neighborhood Association Rings Alarm Bells
The local association Unidos por la Costa raised public awareness and legal action concerning the deteriorating road conditions. They filed a formal complaint asserting that municipal authorities failed to maintain coastal roads properly, violating safety standards under Article 385 of the Spanish Penal Code. Their report identified more than 160 potholes across 14 zones and estimated that over 500 streets and avenues along the coast suffer from similar damage awaiting repair.
Key points from the complaint include:
- Negligent or imprudent municipal management postulated as the cause of persistent road damage.
- Lack of effective preventive and corrective maintenance despite an existing contract over the past five years.
- Multiple official communications to the City Council, including the Mayor’s office and Infrastructure departments, went unanswered.
Judicial Response and Administrative Challenges
The Public Prosecutor’s office after reviewing the evidence decided not to pursue criminal charges, citing no proof of intentional wrongdoing or ‘doloso’ behavior required under criminal law. However, the administrative dimension remains open for examination about potential liability of the City Council regarding property damage and traffic safety.
Importantly, maintenance contracts expired in February 2025, halting repair works until the municipal management company SGM took over operations this month, also handling waste management services relevant to the area.
Recent Efforts: Torrezenia Resurfacing Project
The City Council recently announced the completion of full resurfacing works in the Torrezenia neighborhood, a seaside area long waiting for roadworks. This project was funded through the 2024 municipal budget with an investment of €60,000.
| Street | Work performed | Current Condition |
|---|---|---|
| carretera de San Miguel (Curve) | Pavement Milling and Resurfacing | Improved surface with fresh asphalt |
| Calle Cañada | Complete Resurfacing & Road Markings | Renewed and marked for traffic safety |
| Avenida de Torrevieja (central street) | Asphalt Replacement & Signage | Road surface restored,still pending some peripheral streets |
despite these upgrades,some residents criticized the limited scope of the works,stating that the worst streets such as Avenida Orihuela and Carlos Torres remain unrepaired. They also alleged that much of the resurfacing budget was redirected to neighboring areas, causing frustration among Torrezenia neighbors who expected more comprehensive improvements.
Looking Ahead: Contracts and Projects Pending Allocation
The city plans to award a €1 million contract for further street resurfacing, though details about the chosen locations remain unclear. Additionally, two projects funded by the provincial Diputación through the Plan Planifica are underway:
- Avenida Miguel de cervantes in Campoamor – project finalized and ready for execution.
- Carretera San Miguel de Salinas – project still in design phase.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
Orihuela’s coastal residents and tourists should be aware of the ongoing road safety challenges. Potholes and deteriorating pavements not only cause vehicle damage but could also lead to more serious traffic incidents if not addressed promptly. While municipal efforts to restart road maintenance are promising, community pressure remains high for more clear and comprehensive solutions.
Key Safety Tips for Using Coastal Roads in Orihuela
- Drive slowly and cautiously, especially during night or wet conditions when potholes are harder to spot.
- Report new potholes or damaged road sections to local authorities or neighborhood associations.
- Use appropriate safety gear when using electric scooters or bicycles to minimize injury risks.
- Stay informed about ongoing infrastructure projects and public schedules via city websites or community notices.
With continued attention and investment, Orihuela’s coastal infrastructure can improve, enhancing road safety and quality of life for all.
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