Residents of Guamasa React to Third Lane Project on TF-5
The recent announcement regarding the construction of a third lane on the TF-5 motorway, which connects Guamasa to Tenerife North Airport, has caught local residents off guard.
While they were aware of the project, the level of advancement was unexpected, as communication from authorities has been minimal. This new 3.6-kilometre lane, with a budget of €66.4 million and a projected completion time of 35 months, aims to address severe traffic congestion in Tenerife. The project includes redesigning connections at Guamasa, San Lázaro, and El Púlpito, along with establishing direct access to the airport.
Community Concerns and Distrust
Despite the potential benefits, many residents of Guamasa express skepticism about the project. The local residents’ association president revealed that they learned about the project’s details through media reports, particularly from a press conference held by the island council’s president. This has led to feelings of resignation among the community, as they feel sidelined in discussions that directly impact their lives. He emphasized, “We are at the centre of the issue, yet we have no idea how it will affect us. It would be reasonable for them to inform the local residents as soon as possible if a budget is already in place.”
Past Experiences Shape Current Sentiments
Residents’ distrust is rooted in previous experiences with the council’s traffic management strategies. A recent trial that involved closing the Guamasa access to the TF-5 during peak hours lasted only a few days but left a significant impression. The association president recalled, “A year ago, they conducted tests on closing the Guamasa exit. They claimed traffic on the motorway was flowing, but all adjacent roads were congested.” Complaints arose from residents in nearby areas, highlighting the negative impact of such decisions.
Following the trial, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) issued a report in December 2023, which acknowledged that while the closure improved traffic flow by 10 to 15%, it warned that congestion would merely shift to neighboring roads without complementary actions.
Recommendations and Unfulfilled Promises
The DGT’s report outlined several recommendations to improve traffic conditions, including modifications to existing roundabouts and the opening of a lane that is currently blocked. However, local residents feel that these promises have not been realized. The association president lamented, “It came to nothing. They said they would revisit it and even proposed setting up parking-type barriers to regulate entry, but we never heard anything more. Now they announce the third lane, yet we still lack direct information.”
Project Details and Environmental Impact
Some of the DGT’s suggestions appear to have been integrated into the new third lane project, such as extending acceleration lanes at the Guamasa and San Lázaro junctions. Approved by the Autonomous Commission for Environmental Assessment in May, the project documentation indicates that the motorway’s alignment will shift northward to avoid property expropriation. While this means homes will not be directly affected, adjacent land, including slopes and small gardens, will be impacted.
The project is expected to occupy 18,716 square metres of new land and involve over 41,000 cubic metres of earth movement, which will have a lasting effect on the landscape. To address these changes, plans include replanting over 50,000 square metres of vegetation and transplanting Canary Island palm specimens. However, residents remain skeptical about the feasibility of these promises, particularly regarding the fate of homes close to the motorway.
Noise Pollution and Health Concerns
Noise pollution is another pressing issue for residents, as the environmental report indicates that they are already exposed to levels exceeding legal limits. The construction phase, expected to last 20 months, will likely exacerbate this problem due to the noise from excavation and heavy machinery. The General Directorate of Public Health has criticized the reliance on visual inspections of emissions, calling for more rigorous monitoring in nearby homes.
Additionally, the proximity of homes to the roadway raises concerns about suspended dust, which has become a public health issue. Residents are apprehensive about a repeat of past experiences, fearing a lack of communication and planning could lead to further congestion and disruption.
