Access to Santa Cruz de Tenerife via the TF-5 is set to undergo a significant transformation following a new initiative by the Cabildo de Tenerife aimed at tackling one of the island’s most persistent transport bottlenecks. The project focuses on improving the direct connection between the bus lane on the Autopista del Norte and the capital’s main transport interchange, a key junction used daily by thousands of commuters.
The council has formally approved the drafting phase of the project, awarding the contract to the engineering firm Proyma Consultores for €258,405. The company will be responsible for designing an underground solution that allows buses to bypass the traffic lights and congested junctions that currently delay their arrival at the Interchange.
An underpass to eliminate delays and improve efficiency
At the heart of the proposal is the construction of an underpass that will enable buses travelling along the TF-5 bus lane to access the Interchange directly, without interference from private vehicles. This intervention is expected to significantly reduce journey times and improve the reliability of public transport services.
The planned infrastructure will be located near Áurea Díaz Flores Street, close to the Meridiano Shopping Centre—an area identified as a critical congestion point where traffic flow regularly slows to a crawl. By diverting buses underground, the project aims to eliminate this “bottleneck” and streamline access to the capital.
The initiative has been described by the island’s president, Rosa Dávila, as a strategic step towards strengthening public transport and making it a more competitive alternative to private car use.
A technically complex project beneath a busy transport corridor
Designing the tunnel presents a considerable engineering challenge due to the high traffic density in the area. According to the Regional Minister for Mobility, Eulalia García, the objective is to develop a solution that not only prioritises buses but also improves the overall organisation of traffic on the surface.
The technical study now underway will explore several key options, including:
- The construction of a tunnel to bypass the busiest junction in the commercial area
- The feasibility of incorporating a two-way lane within the underpass
- The possibility of allowing two buses to pass simultaneously in emergency situations
A project with a direct impact on daily mobility
The urgency of the intervention is underscored by the scale of traffic using this access point. More than 1,700 bus journeys from the north and south of the island pass through this area every day. During peak hours, congestion not only affects passengers but also generates knock-on delays that disrupt traffic flow across the entire approach to Santa Cruz.
By improving access for public transport, the project aims to deliver tangible benefits for thousands of residents, reducing travel times and enhancing the overall efficiency of the island’s mobility network.
Next steps towards implementation
The selected contractor has a total of 15 months to complete the project design. Of this period, 13 months will be dedicated to analysing technical alternatives, followed by two months to produce the final design required to launch the construction tender.
In parallel, the initiative aligns with the Cabildo’s broader employment policy, as the contract stipulates that at least 40% of the workforce involved must hold permanent contracts.
Once the technical phase is completed, Santa Cruz de Tenerife will move a step closer to a more efficient, modern and less congested gateway—marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to reshape mobility across the island.
