The DGT backs the trial that reduces travel time by nearly 15% and saves 30 million and over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 annually
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Feb. 19 (EUROPA PRESS) –
Tenerife’s Cabildo president, Rosa Dávila, revealed on Monday that the TF-5 link closure at Guamasa will resume at the end of the year, permanently from Monday to Friday between 06:30 and 08:30, once the necessary works, which will last between six to eight months, are completed on two other links with an investment of around one million euros.
This announcement was made in a press conference where the report from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) was presented, endorsing the “success” of the pilot test conducted for ten days between the end of October and the start of November.
The president highlighted that there were no accidents on the highway or surrounding roads, and travel times were reduced by nearly 15% in the affected four kilometers, rising to 19% around 07:00 hours.
She also noted that on a longer route of approximately 30 kilometers, travel time is decreased by up to 20%.
The president emphasised that the current government team is determined to bring about change and took a “brave” decision despite the “risks” posed, especially when the previous island government had postponed the solution until 2028.
Dávila has already informed the mayors of the affected municipalities and the economic and social agents, expressing confidence that this measure will align with other initiatives already implemented, such as the introduction of shuttle buses in the north, the prioritisation of heavy vehicle movement during early hours, the agreement with Ashotel for communal transportation of employees, and the promotion of carpooling among workers and students of the ULL.
She also underscored the economic and environmental benefits of the measure.
With a flow of 20,000 people and just over 18,000 vehicles crossing the TF-5 during rush hour, the link closure is estimated to result in 828,000 hours of time savings per year, as well as saving 30 million euros and over 1,000 tonnes of CO2.
Dávila commended the work of the Minister of Highways, Dámaso Arteaga, and announced the use of new technological means to measure the road capacity in real time and open the closure if deemed unnecessary.
Specifically, the additional works pertain to the roundabout and bridge in front of the old airport terminal, where traffic will be directed from the upper area of the highway to avoid congestion and diverted from the lower area of the highway to connect it from below the bridge, at the beginning of the third lane.
Action will also be taken on the elevated roundabout at the Tenerife North Airport exit on the highway.
This action will facilitate an additional access from the lower area of the highway, allowing it to join the TF-5 at a point of the three lanes where most of the congestion has been alleviated, as outlined by the Council.
LOPE AFONSO: “RESOLVE AND CAUTION”
The Vice President, Lope Afonso, who also spoke as a TF-5 user, praised the “resolve and caution” of the Cabildo in identifying problems that may have an “immediate solution” pending infrastructure development.
He highlighted that the measure is not only “appropriate,” providing relief for drivers, but also beneficial for the island’s economy, tourist activities, and logistics distribution, resulting in significant “time savings.”
Mobility Minister, Eulalia García, pointed out that the shuttle buses from Icod and Puerto de la Cruz to the Guajara Campus have “eased” the situation and have allowed the inclusion of “new users,” but acknowledged a “high demand” for this service and the absence of a preferential route for these vehicles.
She also stated that they are working on other measures, such as on-demand transport from the medians for residents to utilise public transport and promoting “parking and deterrents” on the two highways to facilitate carpooling.
