- The N-332 road in Torrevieja experiences an average of 55,000 vehicles daily in peak summer, causing severe congestion.
- Despite receiving environmental approval for a 4.47 km expansion in february 2024, bureaucratic and political delays stall the project.
- The congested 4 km stretch leads to traffic spillover into neighboring roads and residential neighborhoods, severely impacting accessibility.
- Political complications linked to prior officials have further entangled the progression of the expansion works.
- Current traffic jams can last up to 12 hours daily,disrupting residents,tourists,and local commerce.
torrevieja’s N-332 Road Faces Unprecedented Traffic Congestion Amid Delayed Expansion
If you’ve driven through Torrevieja recently, you’ve likely experienced first-hand the growing nightmare on the N-332 highway. With daily vehicle counts reaching 55,000 during peak summer months, this critical road has become a chronic bottleneck, pushing traffic congestion to unsustainable levels.
Alarming Traffic Figures Highlight the Severity
The Ministry of Transport’s official data reveal the harsh reality. The busiest 4-kilometer stretch between the CV-905 and CV-95 junctions - near the Torrevieja University Hospital – averages 43,000 vehicles daily year-round.This number spikes to over 52,000 in July and August, peaking at 55,000 on Thursdays and fridays.
Even outside peak season, daily traffic numbers hover near 35,000 vehicles, straining an infrastructure originally designed for far lower volumes decades ago.
| Period | Average Vehicles per Day | Percentage of Cars | Percentage of Heavy Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year-round Average | 43,000 | 97% | 3% |
| Summer Peak (Jul-Aug) | 52,000+ | 97% | 3% |
| Peak Days (Thurs/Fri) | 55,000 | 97% | 3% |
Traffic Congestion Impact Spreads Beyond the N-332
Traffic jams on the N-332 don’t just affect the highway itself. Overflow spills into surrounding roads, notably the CV-95 and CV-905 routes, where roundabouts now frequently collapse under the volume. Nearby avenues such as Urbano Arregui and Desiderio Rodríguez also hit capacity limits, while routes through Orihuela Costa, including Avenida de los Escorpiones and Avenida de las Olas (Rocío del Mar), face new bottlenecks.
- Neighborhoods like Cala Dorada and Rocío del Mar become virtually inaccessible during rush hours.
- Daily congestion alerts are issued by the DGT for the 4-kilometer stretch from km 54 to km 58.
- Traffic jams last up to 12 hours daily, largely as the end of the pandemic recovery phase.
Expansion Approved but Held Back by Bureaucracy and Politics
The good news is that in February 2024, the Ministry of Transport obtained environmental approval to expand the highway by 4.47 km between CV-95 and the rosa Mazón Avenue bridge. However, the project has stalled with no public consultation or tender process launched yet, delaying the start of construction.
The estimated cost stands at €55 million (VAT included), but a critical adjoining 4-kilometer segment from Rosa Mazón to Alto de la Casilla remains outside the plan, prolonging traffic issues in the area.
Political Roadblocks Complicate Progress
Underlying the delay are political tensions dating back to late 2019 when Torrevieja Mayor Eduardo Dolón met with then-Minister José Luis Ábalos to discuss the project. A shorter 30-minute meeting with political advisors included some controversy, involving allegations of corruption and intimidation, although Mayor Dolón denies such claims.
These complications have overshadowed the urgency to tackle the traffic crisis,leaving residents and tourists caught in an endless gridlock.
What’s Next for Torrevieja’s N-332?
The hope remains that bureaucratic hurdles will be overcome soon, and that public consultations will begin, triggering the long-awaited expansion works. Simultaneously occurring, local authorities are urged to manage traffic flow better and provide choice routes to minimize the daily impact.
For residents, workers, and tourists alike, the clock is ticking to resolve what has become a key transportation headache in the Costa Blanca region.
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Key Takeaways:
- Traffic volume: Up to 55,000 vehicles daily during August peak.
- Delay causes: Bureaucracy,political scandals,and incomplete planning.
- Expansion plan: Approved environmental clearance but no public consultation yet.
- Costs: Estimated €55 million for 4.47 km segment only.
- Community impact: Long traffic jams from early morning to late at night.
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