Since early August, the Camino de Las Mercedes in the municipality of La Laguna has been undergoing construction works. Although it was initially anticipated that these would be completed before the start of the school term, the delays have sparked anger and considerable frustration among residents of Las Mercedes, Jardina, and the towns and hamlets of Anaga.
The aim of this initiative is to improve the electricity supply network. However, the works coincided with students returning to CEIP Las Mercedes and Colegio Decroly, resulting in increased delays both on the Camino de Las Mercedes (TF-113) and on the Vía de Ronda (TF-13).
Initially, traffic was regulated by traffic lights, which residents criticised for the long waiting times and poor cycle coordination.
As of Thursday, 11 September, traffic is now restricted to a single lane in a descending direction on the section providing access to the schools. This measure will remain in place until the end of October.
Endless Queues
On the first day of these measures, Thursday, queues extended along the Vía de Ronda to the vicinity of the Colegio La Salle La Laguna, significantly lengthening usual journey times.
The modifications to the TF-113 effectively exacerbated the usual congestion on the TF-13, which accommodates over 22,000 vehicles daily from Anaga, Tegueste, Tejina, Valle de Guerra, Bajamar, and Punta del Hidalgo.
Residents have stated that traffic has become unbearable: “It’s chaos; more queues for this island,” said one. “We’re getting stuck with all those heading towards Tegueste, Bajamar… and don’t even get me started on those going to the schools.” Others believe the works could have been undertaken before the school year commenced.
At peak times, particularly after work hours, congestion forms in the Las Canteras area, absorbing more vehicles due to the diversions. “The queues are never-ending; it’s hardly moving,” drivers lament.
Lack of Dialogue
Vicente Tavío, president of the Las Mercedes Residents’ Association, recalls that construction began without prior notice, “overnight, with the road open and regulated solely by a traffic light.” At that time, it was expected to be completed before September.
He asserts that no explanation was provided for not commencing the works in July, coinciding with the school holidays to minimise disruption. “Some residents need to take longer routes to reach their homes. With better planning, more personnel, or extended hours, the original timeline could have been met,” he concludes.
The community leader acknowledges that residents understand the necessity of the works but emphasises the lack of dialogue from the Cabildo de Tenerife, which is responsible for the road: “Neither associations nor schools were consulted before decisions were made. The initial option turned out to be the most detrimental, and only after a meeting was it agreed to open a downward lane.”
Regarding the schools, he explains that they have been managing “with concern, especially for the safety of students, and with patience.”
Residents have also expressed anxiety about the diversion through Camino El Rayo, which could become a new congestion point. Forecasts indicate an increase in traffic in that area, though a significant collapse is not expected.
Current Traffic Situation in Las Mercedes
A meeting took place last Monday at the Jardina Citizen Centre, attended by the roads councillor of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Dámaso Arteaga, La Laguna council members Domingo Galván, Ángel Chinea, Moisés Afonso, and Adrián del Castillo, along with local residents.
During the meeting, technical difficulties of the works were discussed, and it was decided to enhance signage, increase police presence, and demand that the company accelerate the pace of the works. Witnesses reported that “there were quite a few complaints, but no further solutions were offered.”
It should be noted that last week it was announced that modifications would start on Monday and that the only lane opened would operate in an ascending direction for three weeks.
However, following the criticisms, the Cabildo issued a new statement on Wednesday clarifying that the changes would indeed take effect on Thursday, 11 September, with the lane designated for descending traffic. They detailed the following modifications:
- Closure of the right lane towards La Laguna-Las Mercedes.
- Creation of a temporary dual carriageway over a 180-metre stretch with a detour through Camino El Rayo towards TF-13.
- Implementation of a single direction requirement between kilometre points 0+890 and 1+340.
- In the final resurfacing phase, total closure during night hours.
Construction Works Also Impact Public Transport
Line 271 of Titsa, which connects the La Laguna Interchange with Las Mercedes, has also been affected.
During the ascent, vehicles are diverted via Las Canteras, skipping Jardina, although the usual return route towards La Laguna remains unchanged.
During the construction period, the stops at El Coral, El Rayo, Decroly, Cruz de los Álamos, Pollo Las Canteras, Camino Las Mercedes (211 and 231), Vereda del Llano, and Vueltas Blancas will not be in operation.
