Plans for Almanzora motorway go ahead

THE Junta de Andalucia has approved plans for collaboration between private and public companies for the Autovia del Almanzora.

The executive branch of the Junta de Andalucia has authorized the Public Works Agency to sign an agreement for the construction, running and conservation of a 40.5-kilometre stretch of the motorway between Purchena and the A-7.

The project will be financed by both public and private sources with an initial investment of €160.55m, and will create some 2,420 jobs.

The work, which was announced by the President of the Junta de Andalucia, Jose Antonio Griñan, includes the doubling of the A-334, better known as Autovia del Almanzora and the construction of a new road in two areas, one between Purchena and Fines, and the other from El Cucador to the A-7, as well as slip-roads, viaducts, bridges, crossings, underpasses and drainage facilities.

The project will pay special attention to improving safety for motorcyclists by installing special safety barriers. The road runs through one of the areas with most economic activity in Almeria, linked to the marble industry, between Huercal-Overa and Purchena.