Canary Islands Government Moves Forward with Land Acquisition for TF-5 Expansion

The Government of the Canary Islands has officially commenced the process of forced land expropriation to facilitate the expansion of the TF-5 motorway, a critical infrastructure project aimed at improving traffic conditions in the region.

Expropriation Details and Affected Parties

In a significant development, seven plots of land are slated for expropriation to accommodate the addition of a third lane on the TF-5, specifically targeting the stretch between Guamasa and Tenerife North Airport. This initiative will directly affect three property owners: Explotaciones Industriales Los Rodeos S.L., Aena, and the heirs of Marcos García González. The total area earmarked for expropriation is approximately 7,974 square metres, as outlined in an official bulletin released on Monday.

Aena, the primary airport operator in Spain, will bear the brunt of the expropriation, losing 5,737 square metres of urban land. Meanwhile, Explotaciones Industriales Los Rodeos S.L. will also experience considerable losses, with 2,123 square metres affected. This includes two warehouses, a residential building, and some undeveloped urban land, highlighting the substantial impact on local businesses and residents.

Implications for Project Timeline

This expropriation is part of a larger strategy to enhance traffic flow in the region, which has been plagued by congestion. However, the recent order for land acquisition raises concerns about potential delays in the project’s overall timeline. In September, the Minister of Public Works, Pablo Rodríguez, had confidently announced that the project would be put out to tender within weeks, with the intention of awarding the contract by the end of the year. The initiation of the expropriation process introduces a mandatory public information period of 20 days, indicating that the timeline may be extended beyond initial expectations.

Political Reactions and Traffic Challenges

The Socialist Party (PSOE) has voiced strong criticism of the government’s handling of the project, accusing officials of fostering “false expectations” regarding its progress. Tamara Raya, the insular president of the PSOE, expressed her concerns, stating, “When a file remains in expropriations, it means there is no final project, and without a project, no construction can begin.” The expansion aims to alleviate vehicular congestion along a critical three-kilometre stretch of the motorway between Guamasa and Tenerife North Airport, where daily traffic is estimated at around 116,000 vehicles.

During peak hours, this area experiences significant traffic jams, underscoring the urgent need for the expansion. The estimated cost of the project is approximately 66 million euros, with a projected completion timeline of around 35 months. However, the PSOE has raised additional concerns that the expansion may complicate future infrastructure developments, particularly the La Laguna bypass, which is intended to connect Guamasa with La Laguna. The party argues that the new lane may hinder the construction of the bypass, as it is unlikely that the newly added lane will be removed once built.

Key points

• The Canary Islands Government has ordered the expropriation of seven plots for the TF-5 expansion.
• A total of 7,974 square metres of land will be affected, impacting Aena and Explotaciones Industriales Los Rodeos S.L.
• The majority of the expropriated land belongs to Aena, with significant losses for Explotaciones Industriales Los Rodeos S.L.
• The project aims to improve traffic flow but faces delays in its timeline.
• The expansion is estimated to cost 66 million euros and take 35 months to complete.
• Daily traffic in the area is around 116,000 vehicles, contributing to congestion.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on future infrastructure projects, such as the La Laguna bypass.