Benissa bypass promise will be kept but costs rise

THE N-332 main road crosses Benissa and a bypass is badly needed, say locals.

Work actually began in 2009 but ground to a halt when the construction company awarded the €17 million government contract went bankrupt.

The central government in Madrid, responsible for the country’s main roads, has promised that work will recommence although the cost has risen to €27 million. 

It was included in the 2015 budget but to local disappointment was allocated exactly €0. Instead, the company awarded the contract will finance the project, recovering its investment in 2018 when the government will assign €26 million.

Progress made in 2009 will be of little use as the ministry of Public Works has detected errors in the original plans. “Slight modifications” to the planned route would entail more compulsory purchases, Madrid said.

These modifications are less slight than the ministry admitted, as they affect an area of 103,738 square metres and 230 landowners. 

The government must pay €1.8 million more to 180 owners who will lose more land than anticipated while new compulsory purchase orders will add another €171,390.  

Compensating the owners of five rural buildings that will need to be demolished will cost €138,500.