Temporary Third Lane Proposed to Ease Torrevieja’s N-332 Traffic Chaos

A temporary third lane has been suggested as a possible short-term solution to traffic issues on the N-332 through Torrevieja during the summer. The idea comes from professionals who regularly use the road, claiming a reversible lane could alleviate congestion depending on which direction has the most vehicles. This proposal has not been formally approved and requires a detailed road safety study.

Supporters believe it could be cheaper and quicker than the long-promised widening of the bypass, which has been delayed for over 20 years. Plans to create two lanes in each direction have faced construction delays, leaving the one-lane-per-direction N-332 with long queues and delays, particularly during July and August when it can accommodate up to 55,000 vehicles.

The current bypass has shoulders of at least one metre and two lanes measuring 3.5 metres each, totaling seven metres in width. Creating a temporary third lane would require using part of the shoulders and include changes to drainage, roadside safety areas, and access points, which is more complex than simply repainting the road markings.

The safety study is mandatory, but supporters argue that a temporary lane would still be less costly and time-consuming than the complete widening project, which is estimated to cost over €50 million.