The General Directorate of Road Infrastructure of the Canary Islands Government has today opened the access and exit system to the Southern Highway at Las Chafiras and Oroteanda, heading south. The general director of Road Infrastructure, Rosana Melián, emphasised that the launch of this new connection “marks a significant milestone in the progress of this project of great importance for the mobility of Tenerife», referring to the section of the third lane development of the TF-1 between San Isidro (Granadilla de Abona) and Playa de las Américas (Adeje). “This advancement reinforces our dedication to enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity of the Island, providing smoother travel experiences for both residents and tourists,” she stated in a press release.
This initiative complements the opening of the exit ramp towards Oroteanda that was inaugurated last November, during an event attended by the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; the Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility, Pablo Rodríguez; the President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila; the Mayor of San Miguel de Abona, Arturo González, along with their respective teams, and also the opening of access to the collector road for vehicles coming from San Miguel to Las Américas, which took place on the 9th.
“With each advancement, we are approaching the completion of a project that will be vital for the economic and social progress of Tenerife, offering tangible solutions to the mobility issues we currently encounter,” asserted Rosana Melián.
The new Oroteanda link, situated at kilometre point 63.5 of the TF-1, is part of a comprehensive scheme focused on improving connectivity and addressing traffic challenges not only in southern Tenerife but also fostering greater sustainable mobility, aiding the alleviation of congestion on the Southern Highway and making travel to Playa de las Américas and other key areas on the Island more accessible.
This initiative spans the section from kilometres 62 to 64.5 of the TF-1, in addition to the Adjacent secondary routes such as TF-65, TF-652, and TF-655, along with a portion of the urban road in Las Chafiras.
The newly constructed Las Chafiras interchange features an elevated roundabout positioned above the trunk of the TF-1, complemented by two circular overpasses. The TF-65 connects to this roundabout, serving as a transversal route (it links the urban area of San Miguel de Abona and the village of Los Abrigos in Granadilla de Abona); there are also two branches leading to Santa Cruz and two collector-distributor roads heading south.
The newly established road system also includes the adaptation of the TF-65, TF-652, and TF-655, alongside enhancements to bus stops, new pedestrian pathways, and access for individuals with reduced mobility. It also incorporates four new connecting branches to the links, replacing the existing ones and improving routes to Santa Cruz, all designed to optimise travel in the area.
The project, awarded for nearly 22 million euros to the Ferrovial Agroman-Ten Asfaltos-Excavaciones Oscar del Castillo consortium, is currently over 31 months behind schedule, although the President of the regional Executive, Fernando Clavijo, has announced that it will be completed “by mid-2025.”
The tender for the third lane of the Southern Highway from San Isidro to Oroteanda is expected to be issued “very soon.”
