Benidorm begins construction of three roundabouts in La Cala to improve traffic and road safety in the area

Benidorm City Council has begun work today on the construction of three roundabouts on Avenida del Murtal in La Cala, with the aim of improving traffic flow and road safety in the area. The main and largest roundabout will be located at the intersection with Avenida Marina Baixa, while the other two, smaller roundabouts, will be situated near the intersection with Avenida de Villajoyosa.

This project falls under the participatory budgeting process and, not surprisingly, was the most voted-for proposal. To mark the start of the works, the "On the Ground" campaign visited the site, sharing details of the project with La Cala residents. Councillors Ana Pellicer and Francis Muñoz, responsible for Citizen Participation and Public Space, respectively, led the effort, accompanied by municipal technicians and representatives from the company carrying out the work.

Residents have learned that the project is scheduled to take three months, meaning it will be completed by the end of February. Among other details, the new roadway will be paved with sound-absorbing material, meaning it will reduce the noise produced by passing vehicles. "It will be similar to the asphalt that was successfully installed on Beniardá Avenue," explained Francis Muñoz.

It has also been indicated that the bike lane will run down the centre of the roadway, following the pattern of other major avenues in the city. Furthermore, the engineers have clarified that not only will no parking spaces be lost, but some will actually be gained, as parking will be angled once the project is finished. In addition, a barrier will be installed so that, in case of heavy rain, Murtal Avenue can be closed and access under the bridge prevented.

During the construction work, vehicles will be able to continue circulating at all times, although the road will be narrowed to a single lane in each direction. Muñoz apologised in advance to residents and drivers for any inconvenience caused during the work, but assured them that once it is finished, safety and traffic flow will undoubtedly improve significantly.

The Councilor for Citizen Participation, Ana Pellicer, emphasized that this was "the proposal that received the most votes from residents in the last participatory budgeting process" and highlighted that, given those results, "it is very positive to see that residents not only vote for proposals in their own neighborhood but are also aware of the needs that may exist in other areas."

Benidorm City Council allocates at least 5% of its investment budget each year to projects proposed by residents through participatory budgeting. In this case, the investment allocated to this project amounts to €534,990.