A landmark project is set to transform traffic management at one of the most notorious bottlenecks on the southern Costa Blanca. The Spanish Ministry of Transport has confirmed a €338,322 investment for the installation of a cutting-edge, AI-powered traffic light system at the Punta Prima roundabout, which sits on the N‑332 coastal road at the Orihuela Costa–Torrevieja boundary.
The new system will be one of the first of its kind in the region, using artificial intelligence to monitor traffic conditions in real time and adjust the sequencing of lights accordingly. The aim is to ease congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons, when traffic at the roundabout often becomes gridlocked, causing long delays for both local commuters and visitors travelling between Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, and beyond.
The roundabout at kilometre 51.5 of the N‑332 is not only a major intersection for daily traffic but also a key access point to several residential developments, shopping areas, and tourist attractions. The intelligent traffic management system will use sensor networks and predictive algorithms to streamline vehicle movement based on live traffic density and flow, rather than relying on fixed light cycles.
This innovative infrastructure project is being positioned by transport officials as a potential model for other high-traffic areas along the Mediterranean corridor. The system will also collect long-term data to support ongoing optimisation and could incorporate pedestrian and cyclist safety measures as part of future phases.
The decision to move forward with the project comes after years of local pressure and technical studies highlighting the roundabout’s inefficiency and its impact on the surrounding urban environment.
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with implementation completed in stages to minimise disruption to daily traffic.
This development is in addition to the widening of the N-332 through Torrevieja, which is now progressing, after decades of stagnation caused by the original failings of Torrevieja town hall.
