San Juan de la Rambla Residents Urgently Demand Safety Solutions for TF-5 Access

Residents of La Rambla, a neighborhood within the municipality of San Juan de la Rambla, are raising urgent calls for provisional safety measures at the junction that connects their community to the TF-5 highway. This demand comes in the wake of a recent decision by two departments of the Cabildo of Tenerife to reject a proposed project aimed at improving safety at this critical junction. The rejection was primarily based on concerns regarding the potential environmental impact on the Site of Scientific Interest at Barranco de Ruiz, which has left residents feeling vulnerable and neglected.

Heightened Safety Concerns

For an extended period, local residents have expressed their growing concerns about the safety of this junction, particularly at the bus stops located across a busy road that sees thousands of vehicles daily. The urgency of their plea was underscored by a recent incident in which a young woman sustained serious injuries while trying to cross the road to catch a bus for her university classes. This alarming event has intensified the community’s demands for immediate action to enhance safety measures.

During a meeting held last Thursday, representatives from the Cabildo informed residents that the departments of Natural Environment and Heritage had issued unfavorable reports regarding the proposed design. This design included an elevated walkway and a roundabout beneath it, but officials explained that the project would encroach upon a protected natural area, necessitating significant modifications to the original plan. The residents were left frustrated, feeling that their safety concerns were not being adequately addressed.

Community Mobilization and Demonstrations

In response to the ongoing delays and changes to the project, the citizens’ platform known as “Todos con La Rambla” is organizing a demonstration scheduled for this Sunday. This event reflects the community’s frustration and determination to push for immediate action. Spokesperson Adela Abreu voiced her disappointment, stating that after such a lengthy wait since the project’s initial presentation, authorities have failed to prioritize finding a suitable solution before announcing new restrictions.

Abreu emphasized the critical need for provisional measures to enhance safety at both access points to the TF-5 and the bus stops near Barranco de Ruiz, as well as the former site of the Nuevo Horizonte restaurant, where the recent incident occurred. The community is united in its demand for swift action to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly students and other vulnerable individuals.

Demands for Immediate Action

The platform has characterized the current situation as “unsustainable,” urging local authorities to implement temporary safety measures without delay. These measures include the installation of special signage to alert drivers, initiatives aimed at reducing speed in the area, the creation of an access island to facilitate safer crossings, and the introduction of traffic lights or smart systems designed to improve pedestrian safety. The community believes that these measures are essential to mitigate risks while a more comprehensive solution is developed.

Local Authorities’ Response

Officials from the Cabildo de Tenerife have acknowledged the residents’ concerns and stated that efforts are ongoing to advance the project. Roads councillor Dámaso Arteaga explained during the meeting, which included municipal representatives, that the project faced two negative reports due to its potential impact on a protected natural site, which requires further adjustments. Arteaga highlighted the complexity of the project, indicating that it might necessitate the expropriation of several homes in the vicinity, adding another layer of difficulty to the planning process.

Despite these challenges, Arteaga reassured residents that the current governing team is committed to drafting a viable project. He noted that there had been no prior execution plan or significant progress on the matter, which has contributed to the community’s frustration. Arteaga reiterated the commitment to ensuring the safety and accessibility needed for La Rambla and expressed a willingness to collaborate closely with the San Juan de la Rambla City Council and the residents’ platform to develop a feasible solution that addresses the community’s urgent needs.

Key points

• Residents of La Rambla are demanding urgent safety measures at the TF-5 junction.
• The Cabildo of Tenerife rejected a project due to concerns about its impact on a protected area.
• A young woman was seriously injured while crossing the road to catch a bus.
• The citizens’ platform “Todos con La Rambla” is organizing a demonstration to express their dissatisfaction.
• Provisional measures requested include signage, speed reductions, and traffic lights.
• Local authorities acknowledge the complexity of the project and are working on adjustments.
• The project was initially presented in April 2024, with a budget of nearly five million euros.