Published 15 June 2026 | Infrastructure

TL;DR: The completion of roadworks around Torrecardenas Shopping Centre has restored full traffic flow, reopening all access routes and significantly easing congestion in the area.

Full Road Access Restored Around Torrecardenas Shopping Centre After Years of Disruption

Traffic Flow Returns to Normal After Long-Term Construction

For local drivers and visitors alike, the streets surrounding Torrecardenas Shopping Centre have returned to smooth, unrestricted traffic. Since 2018, ongoing works linked to the Pipa Alta water reservoir project caused considerable disruption, limiting access and triggering legal challenges. Now, with all roads fully reopened, the area is once again accessible without delays or detours. This marks a significant milestone for residents and shoppers who rely on multiple routes into and out of the commercial hub.

Key Routes Including Avenida de Torrecardenas and Avenida de la Constitucion de Cadiz Fully Reopened

The reopening includes two lanes on Avenida de Torrecardenas, the adjacent service road heading uphill, and two lanes in each direction on Avenida de la Constitucion de Cadiz. These improvements alleviate some of the worst congestion previously experienced at the main roundabout above the shopping centre. Over recent months, most traffic had been diverted through Médico Francisco Pérez Company street, creating bottlenecks and inconveniences. Now the restored access network provides more direct and efficient routes for everyone driving into the area.

Enhanced Connectivity Benefits Visitors and Staff

Owned by LightHouse Properties and managed by Multi Iberia, the shopping centre’s management underscores the importance of complete access for both customers and employees. With the full infrastructure operational again, visits become more straightforward and convenient. This restored connectivity is expected to improve the overall experience, encouraging more smooth and flexible travel options from different parts of Almeria city.

Local Government Efforts Drive Traffic Improvements

The City Council of Almeria played a key role in pushing forward and finalizing these road works. Their efforts not only restored existing infrastructure but also enhanced it, creating better traffic conditions around the shopping centre environment. This renovation supports the future growth and development of the area, positioning Torrecardenas Shopping Centre as an even more accessible destination. The reopening of Avenida de la Constitucion de Cadiz, particularly, has been vital in re-establishing the traffic flow patterns that existed before the lengthy construction period.

A Positive Outlook for the Area’s Mobility

With all major access points now open, the traffic situation around the Torrecardenas complex has normalized and improved. The shopping centre management celebrates this step forward, viewing it as a boost not only for daily commuters but also for the wider community that benefits from the area’s connectivity. Moving ahead, these improvements lay a solid foundation for accommodating growing visitor numbers and supporting local commerce without the previous restrictions that held back smooth movement.

For transport projects, public works and major development updates across the province, explore our latest Infrastructure coverage.

Published 15 June 2026 | Infrastructure

TL;DR: After over a year of disruption, the new roundabout replacing the old Avenida del Mediterraneo bridge is nearly finished, set to reopen traffic flow between Torrecardenas and the beach within two weeks.

New Roundabout in Almeria to Restore Traffic Flow Across Avenida del Mediterraneo

Long-awaited roundabout nears completion after bridge removal

Since June 7, 2025, a key stretch of Avenida del Mediterraneo has been closed to traffic following the removal of the old bridge over the railway as part of the AVE railway tunnel project. Now, more than a year later, the new roundabout built atop the railway trench is almost finished. Heavy machinery has paused its work as the structure takes shape, with the only remaining step being the laying of asphalt. This newly formed roundabout at the intersection of Avenida del Mediterraneo and Carretera Sierra Alhamilla promises to restore unhindered traffic flow in the coming weeks.

Road users to regain direct routes from Torrecardenas to the beach

Residents and commuters have faced significant detours since the bridge came down, with the need to reroute via Avenida de Montserrat and side streets to reach key destinations. Currently, access onto Avenida del Mediterraneo requires turning off at Fernan Caballero near the Civitas University Residence or navigating roundabouts farther away, adding precious minutes to daily journeys. Once this roundabout opens, drivers will be able to travel smoothly between Torrecardenas Hospital and the beach without detours, significantly reducing congestion and travel times.

Adjunct roads poised to reopen soon, easing traffic further

Additional access points remain closed for now, notably those via La Goleta and Los Minerales, forcing drivers to use indirect routes to reach industrial areas like the Poligono La Celulosa. Progress in these zones is advancing steadily: only the asphalt remains to be added on the Los Minerales section to restore its connection to Sierra Alhamilla. Meanwhile, the La Goleta route will also reopen shortly, providing a new link via Carrera del Doctoral onto Avenida del Mediterraneo. These reopenings will complement the new roundabout, further easing traffic burdens in the area.

Urban improvements around the roundabout enhance pedestrian access

Alongside the roundabout construction, new sidewalks are taking shape, especially near the Civitas University Residence, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. Installation of drainage systems has been completed, ensuring the road’s infrastructure supports smooth traffic and prevents flooding. These upgrades reflect a broader focus on urban renewal in the area, making the surrounding streets more welcoming and functional for residents and visitors alike.

Significance for Almeria’s transport network after months of disruption

The removal of the old bridge and the subsequent closure of this key stretch have had a pronounced impact on traffic patterns across eastern Almeria since mid-2025. The completion of the roundabout will mark a turning point, restoring direct connectivity for a vital corridor. For locals who have had to adapt to lengthy detours, this milestone will bring welcome relief and a return to normality. The new traffic layout will also support the ongoing integration of the AVE high-speed rail beneath, representing a critical step in modernising Almeria’s transport infrastructure and urban landscape.

For transport projects, public works and major development updates across the province, explore our latest Infrastructure coverage.

Published 08 May 2026 | Infrastructure

TL;DR: The Vera-Almanzora high-speed rail station has entered the tender phase, with construction expected to start later in 2026 and completion targeted for mid-2028.

Vera-Almanzora high-speed rail station moves into tender phase

The new Vera-Almanzora high-speed rail station has taken a concrete step forward, with Adif Alta Velocidad launching the tender process for its construction.

Following approval by the Spanish Council of Ministers in April 2026, the project was formally put out to tender on April 28. The contract, valued at around 19 million euros, covers the construction of the station, platforms, parking facilities and a new access road connecting to the A-352 between Vera and Garrucha.

What happens next for the High-Speed Rail Station

The deadline for companies to submit bids is set for May 28, with evaluations scheduled throughout June.

If the process stays on track, the contract could be awarded by early autumn 2026, allowing construction to begin shortly afterwards.

What the station will include

The station will cover approximately 1,850 square metres and include a main hall, waiting areas, customer service spaces, technical rooms and commercial units.

The platforms, each around 450 metres long, will be equipped with shelters and connected to the station building via an underpass.

Accessibility is a central part of the design, with elevators, escalators and stairs linking all levels.

Parking will initially provide around 150 spaces, with the possibility to expand to 200. Dedicated zones for buses and taxis are also included, alongside a new access road linking directly to the A-352.

How it fits into the wider AVE project

The Vera-Almanzora station forms part of the Murcia–Almeria high-speed rail line, specifically the Lorca–Vera section currently under development.

The timeline for the station aligns with the expected completion of the rail infrastructure, with both targeted for the second half of 2028.

What it could mean for the area

Once operational, the station will connect this part of Almeria province directly to Spain’s high-speed rail network, significantly improving travel times to major cities.

For Vera and the surrounding Almanzora area, this represents a structural shift in accessibility, with potential long-term effects on tourism, commuting and investment.

Construction period

With an estimated construction period of around 18 months, the project timeline points towards completion by mid-2028, assuming no major delays.

The coming months will be key, as the tender process moves forward and the first construction phases are prepared.

For now, the launch of the tender confirms that the project is moving from planning into execution.

For transport projects, public works and major development updates across the province, explore our latest Infrastructure coverage.