Like a war zone: MA-21 will be repaired. Credit: Samuel Arrobas X
Residents and those who need to travel to the airport on the MA-21 can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This stretch of tarmac, long criticised for its bone-shaking potholes, is set for a comprehensive facelift starting late April. Malaga Council has authorised a month-long project to restore the highway to its former safety standards after months of complaints regarding the deteriorating surface. Following the recent outcry over vehicle damage, this maintenance work hopes to resolve the crumbling conditions once and for all.
Crucial resurfacing dates and times
Nightly closures will affect the road heading towards Malaga from Torremolinos, between Malaga Airport and the city boundary. Malaga council has confirmed that works will commence on Sunday, April 26, and are expected to conclude by Friday morning, May 22. These improvements respond to a series of reports detailing the hazardous conditions drivers have been facing on this specific route, dodging and suddenly swerving for potholes and cracks, and taxi drivers protesting due to the damage their cars are suffering on a daily basis. Maintenance teams will work throughout the night to ensure the road is ready for the heavy daytime traffic flow.
Plan your journey to avoid delays
Drivers should prepare for restricted access between 11pm and 6am from Sunday to Thursday each week. Workers will take a break during Friday and Saturday nights to minimise disruption for weekend visitors and tourism traffic. Heavy rain may force a change to this schedule, as laying fresh asphalt requires dry conditions to make sure of durability and long-term quality. Drivers are encouraged to check local weather forecasts if they plan to travel late at night.
Alternative Routes for Local Traffic
Anyone needing the shopping centres or airport surroundings via the MA-21 must divert onto the MA-23 at the airport junction before joining the MA-21. Commuters heading from Churriana to Torremolinos are advised to use Camino del Pilar instead. Detailed signage will be placed at key junctions to guide drivers through these temporary diversions.
Contractors from the council’s high-density road programme, specifically a joint venture between Suministros Asfálticos and Firmes y Asfaltados del Sur, will carry out the project. This long-awaited upgrade hopes to end the “pothole nightmare” that has plagued the Costa del Sol’s main artery for years. Finally the Costa del Sol and Malaga Airport can look forward to an entrance worthy of its stature, rather than one that resembles a war zone.
