The Almanzora Highway: a fragmented project that does not structure Almería
Conceived to structure Almería's internal communications, the Almanzora Highway has been advancing for more than twenty years through the construction of segments that do not connect to each other. This high-capacity project seeks to improve connectivity between the municipalities of the valley and link them to the Mediterranean Highway, but its piecemeal development generates a broken route that does not fulfill its main objective. 🛣️
A road puzzle for drivers
Currently, several sections of the highway allow high-speed travel, but unbuilt gaps persist between them. These voids force drivers to leave the expressway and detour onto the old N-340 road, a route that crosses towns and features sharp curves. Constantly alternating between both types of road eliminates the fluidity of the journey and wastes the advantages of a modern infrastructure.
Consequences of discontinuity:- Trips lose continuity and efficiency, increasing travel time.
- Risk increases by mixing fast and slow traffic on the conventional road.
- The economic and social benefits of a complete highway do not materialize for the region.
Traveling the Almanzora Highway is like playing a video game where levels load randomly, interspersing futuristic highway sections with others from mid-20th century roads.
An intermittent execution that perpetuates the problem
The work progresses irregularly, subject to funds approved by the various responsible administrations. This approach leads to isolated bidding and construction of portions, without ensuring continuity. The absence of a unified plan and stable funding maintains the state of a ghost highway, where long new sections end abruptly at roundabouts that return traffic to the old road.
Factors delaying the project:- Dependence on scattered and uncoordinated budget allocations.
- Lack of a global and binding calendar for all phases.
- Fragmented management across different levels of administration.
An uncertain future for valley connectivity
Until criteria are unified and continuous investment is guaranteed, the Almanzora Highway will remain a half-built infrastructure. For residents and drivers, this means continuing to face unsafe and slow trips, far from the fast and efficient connection that was promised. The real structuring of Almería province remains, once again, in suspense. ⏳