He Tenerife Council It will not close access to the TF-5 from Guamasa again until “improvement measures for traffic on alternative routes are resolved.” This is confirmed by the Minister of Highways, Dámaso Arteaga, who assures that “there are measures that can be taken to alleviate the undesirable queues” that occurred on the TF-235 and TF-152 during the almost two weeks that the test lasted. cut of link 14. This situation has led to the protest of the residents of the area who delivered 880 signatures to the Common Deputy last Thursday and gathered on Friday in front of the Insular Palace. Arteaga assures that “we have informed those affected and the La Laguna City Council on two occasions.”. Furthermore, it indicates that “we still do not have the final technical report on the scope of the measure despite the positive indications we collected.”
The Cabildo made this first positive assessment of the tests carried out on the Guamasa interchange consisting of the diversion of traffic along the secondary roads TF-235 and TF-152 with the aim of improving mobility on the Northern Highway (TF-5). . Arteaga clarifies that «we have not invented anything; “This is a system that is applied in the United States called Ramp Meter and affects roads of regional interest that connect several municipalities, and where it is necessary to regulate the entry and exit of vehicles.”
The Highways Minister summarizes: “Since we implemented the measure, there have been days in which traffic behaved differently, even one of rain, which always influences circulation.” However, he notes, “the fluidity in the TF-5 has been evident throughout the test. “The first data point to a reduction in waiting times and queues on the highway.” Furthermore, he highlights that “in the ten days that the cut lasted, no accidents were recorded in the area or during the times in which the measure was implemented.”
The Cabildo maintains the announced fifteen-day period of study and analysis of the data obtained. After that time a decision will be made based on the technical reports. The Guamasa link has meanwhile recovered its usual status these days and remains open.
The measures applied in Guamasa began last Wednesday, October 25 and were extended until November 8. The test was “consensual” and “the La Laguna City Council was informed with two meetings,” as well as the Neighborhood Association of the La Laguna town. There was collaboration from the Traffic Group of the Civil Guardwhose agents were in charge of regulating traffic in the existing roundabouts on the two secondary roads that run parallel to the Northern Highway.
Dámaso Arteaga emphasizes that “the exit of 235 can be improved at the point of friction with 152.” He also warns about “the need to regulate the Climb to El Portezuelo”, already in Tegueste, and anticipates “the change of direction of a street in Guamasa.” All this to alleviate the traffic jam that occurs in the northwest area of La Laguna with vehicles arriving from El Ortigal, Valle Guerra or the municipality of Tegueste, in addition to Guamasa. Arteaga recalls that “between six thirty and nine in the morning each hour the volume is 600 vehicles, approximately 1,800 in that time period.” An average of 14,000 pass through the TF-5 in that interval. The counselor points out that “there are sections of the TF-5 that are almost urban in the approach to connect with La Laguna as in the area around San Benito.”
Arteaga clarifies that “we have decided to take measures to alleviate the traffic jam while the major road infrastructure works that the Island needs, such as the Island Ring or the third lane, become a reality.” He recognizes that “they will become a reality in the medium or long term, but now something had to be done.” From small actions such as changing signage or the direction of a road to pilot tests like the one in Guamasa. Everything “to improve”, but Arteaga insists that “it is a matter of mentalities and together, little by little, we can and must begin to change it.” “It is not easy and the reactions to the cut in Guamasa demonstrate it,” he reflects, but “we have to go as slowly as we can safely because we must take them.” He is hopeful that “if we all collaborate and, for example, instead of just one person in a car, we share it, we will improve this situation.”
Arteaga argues that “there is greater fluidity in the TF-5, but also a little more in recent days in the TF-13, the TF-152 itself or the TF-154.” The goal, he summarizes, is that “drivers and citizens Let’s become aware first and adapt later. “I ask for understanding because I am sure that this essential change of mentality has to come.” He thanks the companies that “have decided to remove heavy vehicles from roads such as the northern highway during rush hour.”
The counselor contributes his personal experience: “Of course, like the vast majority of Tenerife residents, I have suffered the queues at the TF-5.” In fact, he indicates that “this Monday I have to be in Icod at eight in the morning and then return. Fifty minutes there and almost two hours back.
The shuttle buses to the ULL
Dámaso Arteaga values that “measures such as the shuttle buses from the north to transport students to the university campuses University of La Laguna (ULL) have worked very well. He elaborates that “we have managed to get a portion of those kids to leave their private vehicle at home.” In general, he highlights the need to bet on public transportation on the Island. He reveals that “the measures are not taken on the spur of the moment but rather the technical team in the area, which I trust and value, plans them before executing them.” He adds that “it is essential to listen to the neighbor or the sufferer of those queues to have clues and know the path to take but opinion and sensations are always very variable.” He concludes: “The work must be scientific, serious and rigorous, with reliable data, and that is what technicians are for.” | JDM
