Major roadworks narrow lanes between Marbella and Málaga

Spain’s Transport Ministry began roadworks on the AP-7/A-7 bypass near Marbella on May 12, narrowing lanes in the Málaga direction and changing access at several junctions, according to ministry information reported by local media. The works affect the stretch between kilometre points 1044.7 and 1042.7 and are scheduled to run until June 26. (theolivepress.es) Drivers heading from Marbella toward Málaga have been warned to expect narrower lanes, altered on- and off-ramps and possible delays. Authorities said the area will be signposted and urged motorists to use extra caution through the work zone. (transportes.gob.es) ### Which stretch of road is being changed? The affected section runs between kilometre points 1044.7 and 1042.7 on the Málaga-bound carriageway of the A-7/AP-7 bypass at Marbella, local reports said. (euroweeklynews.com) The lane narrowing applies to the main carriageway as crews carry out works intended to reduce traffic noise along the route. Junction 1044 near Marbella and Avenida del Trapiche is among the points affected, according to Euro Weekly News and The Olive Press. Junction 1043, which connects with the A-355 toward Ojén and the La Cañada shopping area, is also subject to changes. (theolivepress.es) ### Why are lanes being narrowed now? The ministry awarded and formalized a €13.1 million contract in 2024 to install acoustic barriers on the Marbella variant of the AP-7, according to ministry press material. The broader project covers 28 sound barriers with a combined length of 6,612 metres and a surface area of 26,304 square metres, with heights ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 metres. (theolivepress.es) The works form part of Spain’s Noise Action Plan and are financed through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, the ministry said in 2024. Local reports on this week’s traffic changes said the current restrictions are tied to that barrier installation work. (euroweeklynews.com) ### Which ramps and junctions should drivers watch most closely? Junction 1044 is one of the main pinch points because it serves Marbella and Avenida del Trapiche, according to local coverage. The changes also extend to the branching area near kilometre 1042, where the AP-7 connects with the A-7 toward Fuengirola and Málaga. (transportes.gob.es) Provisional signage has been placed through the area, Euro Weekly News reported. The Olive Press said authorities circulated a map of the works zone and told motorists to proceed with “extreme caution” during the construction period. (transportes.gob.es) ### Will there be night closures as well as daytime disruption? Night work may bring additional lane closures between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the Málaga direction, according to local reports citing the ministry. Those overnight restrictions are intended to let crews install the acoustic screens while limiting daytime disruption. (euroweeklynews.com) The six-week timetable means the restrictions are due to remain in place until at least June 26. Drivers using the corridor during commuting hours or overnight should expect the layout to change as work progresses. (euroweeklynews.com) ### Where can motorists check for updates before setting out? Spain’s traffic authority, the DGT, says its traffic incident pages and mobility map are updated continuously with information entered around the clock by traffic management centers and the Guardia Civil. Those official channels carry road incidents, works and restrictions across the network. (euroweeklynews.com) June 26 is the date local reports gave for the end of the current phase on the Marbella bypass. Until then, the named junctions at 1044 and 1043 and the Málaga-bound split near kilometre 1042 are the points where drivers are most likely to encounter altered lane widths and ramp layouts. (dgt.es) (euroweeklynews.com)