Commuters and holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol will need to remain patient: on the heavily trafficked A-7 and AP-7 around Marbella, significant traffic disruptions are currently being experienced. The cause is extensive noise-reduction construction works along the Marbella bypass, which are expected to continue until 26 June.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
The Málaga-bound carriageway between kilometre markers 1044.7 and 1042.7 is particularly affected. Lane restrictions have been put in place to allow work on new noise-barrier installations. The disruption affects one of the most important sections of road along the entire Costa del Sol, resulting in daily congestion and long delays, especially during peak travel times.
Several key junctions are affected
According to the Spanish Ministry of Transport, the works are affecting several key traffic junctions around Marbella. These include the Marbella exit at Avenida del Trapiche, the connection to the A-355 towards Ojén, as well as access routes to shopping and commercial areas along the corridor. The junctions between the A-7 and AP-7 towards Fuengirola and Málaga are also affected by the restrictions.
In particular, commuters are already reporting significantly longer journey times in the mornings and early evenings. The situation is also becoming increasingly problematic for tourists currently travelling to the Costa del Sol.
Night works and possible closures
In addition to daytime restrictions, there may be temporary lane closures at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The authorities aim to ensure the safety of construction workers while still maintaining at least partial traffic flow during the day.
Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution and to strictly obey temporary traffic signage.
Million-euro project to combat traffic noise
The project is part of a wider infrastructure and environmental programme by the Spanish government. Its aim is to significantly reduce noise pollution for residents along the Marbella bypass. The works are being funded, among other sources, through the European “Next Generation EU” fund as part of Spain’s recovery plan.
According to official figures, the project costs around 13 million euros.
Old traffic problems on the Costa del Sol continue to worsen
The current construction works once again highlight the structural traffic problems on the Costa del Sol. The A-7 in particular has been considered chronically congested for years. During the summer months especially, the coastal motorway regularly reaches its capacity limits.
Experts and local politicians have therefore long been calling for additional transport solutions, including the expansion of public transport and a rail link along the coast between Málaga and Marbella.
Until then, drivers will need to remain patient: the restrictions on the A-7 are expected to affect Marbella and the entire western Costa del Sol for at least several more weeks.
