Costa del Sol’s busiest AP-7 toll plaza set for €7.1 million overhaul as traffic keeps climbing

Drivers using the AP-7 near Manilva could soon notice major changes after plans were revealed for a full redevelopment of one of the Costa del Sol’s busiest toll plazas, with work expected to take around 14 months.

Manilva AP-7 toll plaza to expand as traffic reaches record levels

Autopista del Sol, the contract holder operating the AP-7, has drawn up a €7.15 million project to increase capacity at the Manilva toll plaza after years of rising traffic volumes. Construction plans prepared by engineering firm CEMOSA say the current layout is no longer able to cope comfortably during peak periods.

Figures included in the project show average daily traffic reached almost 20,000 vehicles in 2024, while August recorded a peak of 29,709 vehicles per day. During busy summer weekends, queues regularly stretch beyond 10 vehicles, with engineers warning delays are expected to become worse unless capacity is increased.

Despite long-running calls from many drivers to remove tolls on this stretch of motorway, the proposal focuses entirely on expanding and modernising the existing facilities rather than scrapping the charges. At least for now. 2027 elections might see some changes.

More toll lanes and smarter traffic management

Once completed, the redesigned plaza will contain 23 physical lanes, although no more than 17 will operate at any one time.

Plans include:

• Two specific electronic toll (Via-T) lanes
• Two multi-category lanes
• Four manual payment booths
• Nine automatic lanes accepting cash, bank cards and electronic payment
• Six reversible lanes, up from the current four, allowing operators to react more easily to changing traffic flows

Construction will also add three new toll lanes, with one serving traffic towards Cadiz and two handling vehicles travelling towards Malaga.

Existing automatic lanes will be rearranged, while several payment lanes will be converted to manual operation. Advanced toll lanes currently positioned outside the main canopy will also be incorporated beneath an enlarged roof structure.

Casares-Manilva junction also due for improvements

Attention will not be limited to the toll plaza itself. Engineers also plan to remodel the 655-metre slip road connecting the A-377 with the AP-7, commonly known as the Casares-Manilva link. According to the project, the redesign will bring the junction into line with current road safety standards while improving vehicle movements entering and leaving the motorway.

Current toll booths will disappear and be replaced with prefabricated cabins equipped with upgraded payment technology, air conditioning, raised technical flooring and modern electrical and communications systems.

Drainage beneath the toll plaza, described as being in poor condition, will also be completely renewed. Water supply, fire protection, lighting, electricity, telecommunications and lane technology will all receive upgrades as part of the investment.

Safety upgrades planned across the site

Road safety forms a major part of the redevelopment. Drivers can expect new speed reduction signs, transverse rumble strips before reaching the toll area, variable message boards, extra lighting designed for foggy conditions, upgraded crash barriers, CCTV cameras and completely renewed road markings and traffic signs.

Another part of the scheme involves extending the underpass at kilometre point 11+030 by around 4.5 metres. Prefabricated construction methods are expected to reduce disruption because the route provides regular access to a nearby quarry.

Traffic will continue during the 14-month project

Construction will take place in phases so vehicles can continue using the motorway throughout the works.

Temporary diversions and lane changes will be introduced whenever necessary around the underpass, toll plaza and Casares-Manilva access road, with expropriations kept to a minimum. Land acquisition costs are estimated at just €2,875 because all affected land already lies within Manilva municipality.

Project documentation places the total estimated investment at €7.15 million, with the largest share of spending devoted to toll lane infrastructure, resurfacing work and technical installations.