Orihuela Council has launched a comprehensive redevelopment project on Avenida Miguel de Cervantes, located in the Campoamor residential area. The initiative represents one of the most significant undertakings planned for Orihuela Costa during the current legislative term, involving an investment exceeding 1.2 million euro.
The project was officially presented by the Mayor of Orihuela, Pepe Vegara, alongside Víctor Valverde, the Councillor for Infrastructure and Maintenance, and Manuel Mestre, the Councillor for the Coast. They were joined at the launch by Raúl Fernández, the local mayor of Campoamor.
The works will deliver a complete overhaul of the avenue as well as the total renewal of the drinking water network, an infrastructure system that had been experiencing issues due to its age. Around one million euro will be dedicated to the comprehensive redevelopment of the road itself, while an additional 260,000 euro will be spent on upgrading the water supply network. Councillor Valverde explained that it became clear during the planning process that it would make little sense to replace pavements and tarmac whilst leaving an outdated hydraulic system that was already showing signs of wear.
The redevelopment encompasses new pavements and kerbs, improvements to accessibility, fresh road resurfacing, upgraded street lighting, and luminous signalling designed to enhance pedestrian safety. Traffic flow improvements will also feature, highlighted by the remodelling of the roundabout at the intersection with Calle Saavedra Fajardo, which is being correctly aligned with the junction to improve safety and traffic efficiency.
Furthermore, the project includes the replacement of approximately 1.217 linear metres of the supply network using ductile iron pipes, alongside new connections, valves, and zoning elements to improve water efficiency and reduce future breakdowns.
To minimise disruption for residents and visitors during the high season, council officials confirmed that works will pause at the end of June and resume in September. This planning ensures the summer period is not impacted in an area that sees a high influx of summer residents and holidaymakers.
Councillor Mestre noted that the project has been needed for many years and joins recent coastal investments, such as works on Calle Pinos, the opening of the Aguamarina promenade, and lighting upgrades along seafront walks. He also pointed towards future plans, including improvements to Avenida de Villamartín and adaptations to walkways under the N-332.
Raúl Fernández praised the start of the works on what is the main artery of the residential area and the southern entrance to Orihuela, adding that it completes the cycle of renewing the main avenues across the historic developments of Orihuela Costa.
Mayor Vegara framed the project as a fulfilment of the local government’s commitment to Orihuela Costa, mentioning that comprehensive behind-the-scenes administrative work has been required to streamline these schemes. He also teased future water infrastructure plans, including a new reservoir to secure the coastal water supply, assuring that Avenida Miguel de Cervantes will ultimately become a modern, accessible, and much safer thoroughfare.
