Torrevieja plans safer walking and cycling route along 6.7km Via Verde

Walkers and cyclists could eventually have a safer and more comfortable route along Torrevieja’s 6.7-kilometre Via Verde under plans now moving into the design stage.

Torrevieja Town Hall has awarded a €77,129 contract to prepare the improvement project and subsequently oversee the work and safety coordination. The route follows the former Albatera-Torrevieja railway line and passes through both urban and natural areas.

Via Verde improvements enter design stage

The design team has been given two months to prepare the project, including determining exactly what improvements are required along the greenway.

The contract also covers the subsequent supervision of the work and safety coordination once the project progresses.

The planned improvements are intended to make the Via Verde safer and more comfortable for people using it on foot or by bicycle.

Before work can begin, the design process will also need to establish the necessary measures and obtain the relevant permissions for the proposed improvements.

Route stretches for 6.7 kilometres

Torrevieja’s Via Verde follows the former Albatera-Torrevieja railway line, providing a route between urban areas and the municipality’s distinctive natural landscape.

It begins beside the Museum of Salt at kilometre zero and continues towards Acequion beach and alongside Torrevieja’s Pink Lagoon.

The first section currently provides separate surfaces for cyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists use an asphalt section, while a paved area is provided for people travelling on foot.

However, the character of the route changes from kilometre 3.4, where it becomes a single compacted-earth path shared by users.

From there, the greenway continues through areas of reeds before finishing at the CV-945 at kilometre 6.7.

Protected landscape shapes improvement plans

Environmental considerations will form an important part of the project because sections of the route are affected by the protected status of the La Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons Natural Park.

The reeds found along parts of the Via Verde also provide a natural refuge for wildlife, meaning the design will have to take the surrounding environment into account when deciding what improvements can be carried out.

The two-month design stage will establish the work required to improve conditions for walkers and cyclists while addressing the environmental requirements and permissions associated with the route.