Drivers face lane narrowing and night closures on Costa del Sol AP-7 roadworks

Construction to install sound-proofing barriers on the AP-7 began on May 12 and will continue until at least June 26. Crews will have to narrow lanes on the Malaga-bound carriageway between kilometres 1044.7 and 1042.7. Officials have placed clear signage throughout the zone to protect workers and road users during these upgrades.

Affected junctions require extra caution and time

Restrictions will extend beyond the main carriageway. Narrowing impacts entry and exit ramps at junction 1044 for Marbella and Avenida del Trapiche. Similar changes are due to hit junction 1043 linking to the A-355, Ojen, and the La Cañada shopping park. Drivers should also watch the road branching at kilometre 1042, where the AP-7 meets the A-7 towards Fuengirola and Malaga. Provisional signs guide traffic through these altered layouts.

Nighttime lane closures probable

Work teams may have to fully close individual lanes in the Malaga direction during overnight hours from 10pm to 6am. Such measures are to allow safe installation of noise barriers while minimising daytime inconvenience for holidaymakers and commuters.

European funds support Costa del Sol improvements

This scheme forms part of Spain’s national Noise Action Plan. Authorities have allocated 13.1 million from the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, known as PRTR. European Union funding covers most of the project, which includes over 6.6 kilometres of sound-proofing screens with a total surface area around 26,300 square metres and heights from 2.5 to 4.5 metres.

Context of wider road network pressures

Many vehicles already avoid the expensively tolled AP-7 in favour of the parallel A-7 autovía, which suffers frequent congestion between Fuengirola and San Pedro de Alcantara. Recent pothole repairs on sections of the A-7 addressed surface damage after winter storms, yet calls continue for more comprehensive upgrades on state-managed routes.

Drivers should check real-time updates via the DGT app or local traffic sources before taking the AP-7. Extra time will help find the quickest route and navigate this busy coastal corridor safely during the six-week period.