The Orihuela government’s centrepiece coastal project, the long-awaited cycle-pedestrian walkway over the AP-7 motorway bridge in Lomas de Cabo Roig, appears to be a pipe dream. After more than two decades of gridlock, the bipartisan coalition put their plan out to bid in April. Almost six months later, it has yet to be awarded, though municipal sources say it will be completed “shortly.”
It was a project that Mayor Pepe Vegara campaigned on, and it was even announced as the first investment when the 2024 budget was published.
Unless the deadline is shortened, the winning bidder will have four months to complete and submit the project. It must next be submitted for approval by the Alicante Highway Department (Ministry of Public Works), which may raise concerns.
Once approval is secured, the project must be placed out to bid. Given the project’s value of more than 1.3 million euros, the award process might take anywhere from nine months to a year. The work could start in late 2026 or early 2027. The completion date will be announced when the tender is launched, but it could take roughly five months.
With these deadlines, the Unidos por la Costa neighbourhood association warns that the project may not be operational until after the next term, as inaugurations cannot take place after elections are called under electoral rules.
The project will connect Creus Street and the San Miguel Highway. Residents may walk across the bridge, which is the sole one that connects various residential neighbourhoods, including Lomas de Cabo Roig, La Cuerda, and Lomas de Golf, to the beaches, health centre, pharmacy, and grocery stores.
With a single lane of traffic in each direction and no pavements, pedestrians must walk on the shoulder, which is only 40 centimetres wide, putting their safety at danger.
Mixed cycle-pedestrian use will be considered, with a minimum clear width of 1.8 metres and a two-way bike lane of at least 2.5 metres wide.
In addition, LED lighting for walkers and cyclists will be installed on the street, as well as a walkway design that is appropriate for the urban area. A lighting analysis will be conducted to ensure proper lighting.
Urban development
The clauses governing the project’s development in the Lomas de Cabo Roig sector included the widening of the CV-941 bridge, which connects the AP-7 motorway near the Dehesa de Campoamor and La Regia residential districts to Lomas de Cabo Roig. The development agency, who began building on the sector in December 2004 while depositing the guarantee with the former Bancaja bank, carried out the intended strategy. However, the pedestrian walkway was not built. The City Council has not revoked the assurance, which is still pending legal action.
Author: Derek Appleton
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