Major €123 Million Upgrade Set to Transform Tenerife’s TF-1 Motorway

A significant enhancement of Tenerife’s road infrastructure is on the horizon, with plans for a €123 million investment aimed at expanding a crucial 14-kilometre segment of the TF-1 motorway. This stretch runs between Erques and Santiago del Teide, and the upgrade is expected to greatly improve travel efficiency across the island.

Revamping the Motorway for Better Connectivity

This ambitious initiative will transform the existing single-lane section of the motorway into a modern dual carriageway. This development is a vital step towards completing the island’s Insular Ring, which is designed to facilitate smoother and more efficient travel around Tenerife. The upgrade will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the region by improving access to key areas.

The technical plans for this extensive project have already received the green light from the Canary Islands Government. Currently, the proposal is undergoing a public consultation period that will last for 30 days, allowing local residents and stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns. The construction work is set to commence from the end of the Erques tunnel and will extend to the entrance of the Bicho tunnel, marking a significant milestone in the island’s transportation infrastructure.

Comprehensive Improvements for Safety and Efficiency

The expansion will result in a total of five lanes on this segment of the motorway: three lanes will be dedicated to traffic heading towards Santiago del Teide, while two lanes will accommodate vehicles traveling towards Adeje. This new configuration is designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, with a planned speed limit of 80 km/h to ensure safety for all road users.

Beyond the lane expansion, the project includes a range of improvements aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility. These enhancements will cover slip roads, local access routes, farm tracks, bridges, underpasses, and drainage systems. Additionally, new road surfaces will be laid down, and updated safety barriers will be installed to protect motorists. Landscaping and environmental restoration efforts are also part of the plan, ensuring that the natural beauty of the area is preserved while improving the infrastructure.

Minimizing Land Impact While Addressing Future Needs

One of the notable aspects of this project is its minimal impact on land use. The expansion will require only limited land expropriation, as the TF-1 is classified as a regional motorway. The compulsory purchase limit extends eight meters from the road’s edge, and much of the necessary land was already acquired during previous developments on the Adeje–Santiago del Teide section. This means that only a few new plots will be affected, and importantly, no public land owned by Guía de Isora or Santiago del Teide will be impacted.

During the construction phase, eight small plots will be temporarily utilized for storage and access to viaduct works. This temporary use is not expected to affect any buildings and will last for a duration of 12 months, within the overall five-year timeline for the project. This careful planning aims to minimize disruption to the local community while ensuring that the necessary work can be completed efficiently.

Looking ahead, traffic forecasts extending to 2048 indicate a pressing need for increased capacity on this stretch of the motorway. This is particularly crucial in anticipation of the new Erjos tunnel, which is slated to open in 2027. The completion of this tunnel, in conjunction with the TF-1 upgrade, is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of travel from the south to Puerto de la Cruz, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to navigate the island.

Key points

• €123 million investment for the TF-1 motorway upgrade between Erques and Santiago del Teide.
• Transformation from a single-lane to a dual carriageway to improve travel efficiency.
• Public consultation period of 30 days for local residents and stakeholders.
• Five lanes will be created: three for Santiago del Teide and two for Adeje.
• Comprehensive improvements including slip roads, bridges, and safety barriers.
• Minimal land expropriation required, with no impact on public land owned by local municipalities.
• Temporary use of eight small plots for construction access without affecting buildings.
• Traffic forecasts indicate increased capacity needs, especially with the upcoming Erjos tunnel.