Overnight closure hits Marbella AP-7 on-ramp as noise barriers go up

Drivers heading towards Benalmadena on the AP-7 will face a short overnight diversion this weekend while crews push ahead with major noise-reduction works on the Marbella bypass.

Overnight ramp closure details

Officials from Spain’s Ministry of Transport have confirmed the on-ramp at kilometre 1044, direction Malaga, will shut from 10pm on Sunday, August 1, until 6am on Monday, August 3. This eight-hour window will hopefully allow teams to continue installing acoustic panels designed to cut traffic noise for nearby homes.

Why the works are needed

Traffic noise from the busy AP-7 has long affected residents living close to the Marbella variant. Continuous vehicle movement disrupts sleep, raises stress levels and reduces quality of life for people in properties within roughly 200 metres of the motorway. Ministry figures show more than 1,000 buildings stand to benefit once the full set of barriers is in place. There has been mention of homes that line the Mijas part of the A-7 yet.

Scale of the noise-reduction project

Crews are installing 28 noise-reducing panels along an eight-kilometre stretch of the bypass. The combined length of the barriers reaches 6,612 metres, with heights ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 metres. Metal panels will later be covered with ivy so they settle into the landscape more naturally. Total investment stands at €13.1 million, paid for entirely by taxpayers’ money through the European Union.

Alternative route for drivers

Drivers needing to join the AP-7 during the closure that late at night, or early in the morning, must follow a clearly marked diversion. From the closed ramp area they should take Avenida Arias de Velasco, continue along Calle Serenata, then turn onto Avenida Duque de Lerma before rejoining the motorway at the kilometre 1043 on-ramp. Signage will guide traffic throughout the night, and the main carriageway itself remains open.

Progress so far and remaining work

Works on the noise barriers have already caused earlier periods of lane narrowing and previous night-time restrictions around the same exits. Current focus sits between kilometre points 1044.7 and 1042.7, covering the area near Avenida del Trapiche and the connection towards the A-355 and local shopping zone. Once finished, the screens should lower noise levels for homes closest to the road, giving residents quieter nights and better daytime living conditions.

Local drivers are advised to allow a few extra minutes if travelling early on Monday morning. All main safety measures will stay in place while the remaining sections of barrier go up, completing a project that aims to make life more comfortable for thousands of people living alongside one of the Costa del Sol’s busiest stretches of motorway.