The Canary Islands' Department of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility has decided to reschedule the ongoing roadworks at the Las Chafiras interchange in San Miguel, Tenerife. This decision aims to minimise disruptions to local residents and ensure the economic activity of the nearby industrial estate is not impacted, especially over the Christmas holiday season.
Francisco Javier González, the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, explained that the project will proceed in a way that allows economic activity to continue uninterrupted, particularly during important times like the Christmas shopping season. Las Chafiras is home to a major industrial and commercial hub, making these adjustments essential for local businesses.
The section of the project currently under development includes the vital Oroteanda and Las Chafiras interchanges. These areas experience heavy traffic, with over 80,000 vehicles passing through daily, which makes the work challenging both technically and logistically.
González also mentioned that the project faced some delays due to the relocation of a medium-voltage power line that affected a nearby residential area. However, this issue has now been resolved, and construction is expected to speed up.
The government anticipates completing the Oroteanda interchange by November, with further improvements planned for other access points.
González recently met with San Miguel's mayor, Arturo González, and local business owners to discuss the progress and hear their concerns. The government acknowledges that Las Chafiras is a mixed-use area, combining residential housing with a significant industrial estate, and is also a crucial connector for nearby residential and tourist areas such as Las Galletas, El Guincho, and Golf del Sur.
One of the most notable aspects of the project was the demolition of the old Las Chafiras bridge and the partial construction of a new roundabout. This roundabout is now partially operational, and when completed, it will offer improved traffic flow and greater capacity.
The new interchange will also connect to the TF-65 road, which runs between San Miguel and Los Abrigos, as well as other key routes leading to major destinations like Las Américas and Santa Cruz. The project is valued at almost €22 million and is being executed by a joint venture including Ferrovial Agroman, Ten Asfaltos, and Excavaciones Oscar del Castillo.
The government is pushing to complete critical sections of the project before the Christmas season to avoid major disruptions and ensure smooth mobility for both residents and tourists.
