Marbella is pressing ahead with the transformation of the N-340. This key traffic artery is set to be upgraded in several phases at a cost of just under 3.8 million euros. The centerpiece of the project is a 40-meter-high obelisk on the Golden Mile, which – together with a three-meter lightning rod – is intended to become the city’s tallest architectural landmark.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The redesign of the N-340 in Marbella is entering its next phase. The city council’s contract award committee has proposed awarding the construction work to a joint venture between Althenia – part of the Málaga-based Sando Group – and Eiffage Infraestructuras. The consortium submitted a bid of just under €3.83 million for the project. It secured the contract – despite a slightly higher price than its competitor – primarily due to a superior technical evaluation.
With this project, the city aims to continue the redesign – already underway – of the former main traffic artery. The goal is for the N-340 to no longer function solely as a transport link but to be more effectively integrated into the urban fabric. In doing so, the municipal authorities are taking the San Pedro Alcántara boulevard – created after the former A-7 road was routed through a tunnel – as a model.
Two new sections for the boulevard
The new construction phase focuses on two areas. In the east, the work covers the section between Glorieta Manuel Haro and the Arco de Marbella. In the west, the N-340 is to be reconfigured between Puente Romano and the Centro Forestal Sueco.
In this way, further sections of the street are intended to take on a more uniform character. Plans include new sidewalks, greenery, lighting, and central medians, among other features. At the same time, the aim is to improve traffic safety and enhance the connection between the various parts of the city.
With this move, the city is pursuing a more comprehensive strategy for the N-340. The aim is to better integrate this heavily trafficked road into its urban surroundings, rather than continuing to separate Marbella’s various districts like a conventional through-road.
A 40-meter-high obelisk for the Golden Mile
The project’s most striking feature is taking shape on the Milla de Oro—Marbella’s “Golden Mile.” A new roundabout is planned at the intersection of the N-340 and the road to Istán (A-7176), with an obelisk standing approximately 40 meters tall at its center.
The structure will take the form of a hollow truncated pyramid. It is designed to measure seven by seven meters at the base, while the cross-section tapers to 3.5 by 3.5 meters at the top. Plans call for white marble cladding, intended to visually tie the structure to the architecture and aesthetic of Marbella.
A lightning rod approximately three meters tall will also be added to the top of the obelisk. This brings the structure to a total height of around 43 meters, making it the city’s highest architectural point. For comparison, the Santo Cristo del Amor bridge also reaches a height of about 40 meters; the new obelisk – including its lightning rod – would surpass this height.
Nearly two kilometers of redevelopment along the Golden Mile
The section along the Milla de Oro spans a total of approximately 1,943 meters. Of this, about 605 meters cover the area between Puente Romano and the intersection with the Istán road. A further 1,338 meters extend from the A-7176 to the Centro Forestal Sueco.
In between lies the area where the new roundabout featuring the obelisk is to be built. Landscaped central medians are planned along the road; these are intended not only to improve the visual appearance but also to help structure traffic flow and enhance safety.
This upgrades an area that is among the best-known and busiest sections of Marbella.
New walkways, green spaces, and the “Tres Barcos”
Several smaller-scale measures are also planned for the eastern side of the project. A pedestrian walkway approximately 198 meters long is to be constructed – or upgraded – along Avenida Juan de la Cierva, between the local police headquarters and the Arco de Marbella. This work will also take into account the existing bus stop, lighting, and accessibility.
A landscaped central strip approximately 315 meters long is also planned between Glorieta Manuel Haro and the roundabout near the local police station. It is intended to provide the separation between the traffic lanes that was previously lacking, while simultaneously improving the area’s appearance.
The well-known Fuente de los Tres Barcos is also being included in the work. The fountain’s three boats are to be complemented by new, small water basins. In addition, new lighting and irrigation systems are planned.
Ten-month construction period – much of the work done at night
Construction work is scheduled to be completed within ten months. However, the fact that one of Marbella’s key traffic arteries is being redeveloped during this period is likely to impact traffic.
To minimize disruption, the commissioned consortium has committed to carrying out approximately 2,000 workdays—or rather, night shifts—at night. This is intended to ensure that certain tasks take place outside peak traffic hours.
The measure is therefore not only an urban planning project but also a transport-related one. The construction phase is likely to be noticeably felt by motorists, residents, and businesses, particularly along the Golden Mile.
Marbella adopts the San Pedro model
The project is driven by the idea of gradually transforming the N-340 from a purely traffic-oriented corridor into a more integrated part of the city. The boulevard in San Pedro Alcántara serves as a model; there, the former A-7 was moved underground, creating a spacious urban area on the surface that connects districts previously separated by the busy road.
In Marbella, there are no plans to place the N-340 entirely underground in these sections. Instead, the aim is to better integrate the existing road into its urban surroundings through landscaping, new sidewalks, medians, lighting, and improved design.
The project is therefore part of a long-term strategy for one of the city’s key traffic arteries. Through this initiative, City Hall aims to improve mobility and traffic safety as well as Marbella’s appearance.
A new landmark for Marbella
The planned obelisk is likely to attract significantly more attention than the other measures. Standing around 40 meters tall and clad in white marble, it will be visible from a considerable distance.
With this project, the city combines a functional redesign of the N-340 with a new architectural landmark on the Golden Mile. However, it remains to be seen whether the obelisk will actually become a new symbol of Marbella.
One thing is certain: with an investment volume of just under 3.8 million euros, two new sections of the boulevard, and a structure over 40 meters high, the N-340 in Marbella will take on a markedly different appearance in the coming months.
With this move, the city itself is sending a clear signal: the most important traffic artery is not only to remain high-capacity but also to become more integral to the cityscape.
