The Guadalhorce Valley Highway: A Long-Awaited Update
The highway traversing the Guadalhorce Valley and the Serranía de Ronda has seen minimal progress over the past decade—much to the chagrin of commuters and local residents. This crucial infrastructure is designed to alleviate the burgeoning traffic along the Málaga-Campillos-Ronda axis. Fortunately, this stagnant project is finally gaining momentum, with contracts awarded and construction set to commence later this year.
Navigating A Half Highway
Understanding the A-357
The A-357, commonly referred to as the Guadalhorce highway, spans 69 kilometers, connecting Málaga capital to the Guadalhorce Valley and the interior of the province. However, it operates as a highway only up to Casapalma. Beyond that point, a conventional road must accommodate over 25,000 vehicles daily, with peaks nearing 80,000 in high-traffic areas closest to Málaga.
This route serves as the sole access point for municipalities like Álora, Pizarra, and Cártama and is the most direct pathway to Ronda for countless tourists and residents.
A Project Stalled Since 2010
Contractual Delays
The first segment awaiting construction—measuring just 4.2 kilometers between the Casapalma and Cerralba interchanges—was initially awarded in January 2010. However, the project became mired in red tape, and the contract lay dormant for a decade, incurring an additional financial burden of half a million euros for the Junta de Andalucía. The project had deteriorated in its technical viability, necessitating a complete reevaluation and reapproval process.
Momentum Builds: Offers and Funding
Reactivation and Bidding Process
February 2024 marked a turning point for the highway, as the Ministry of Development reignited the project. By summer 2024, expenditure was authorized, and by July 2025, the works were officially tendered, projected at a cost of €56.9 million with an estimated 46-month execution timeline. A total of 22 bids were submitted for the project, predominantly from temporary unions of companies including renowned construction giants like Acciona, Ferrovial, and Sacyr.
Leading Bidder
Among the submissions, the UTE of Copisa Constructora Pirenaica and Arpo emerged victorious, presenting a bid of €41.6 million—approximately €15 million less than the initial budget.
What to Expect in the New Construction
Details of the Upcoming Section
The new highway segment will run parallel to the existing road, which will serve as a local access route. This modern dual carriageway will feature two lanes, each measuring 3.5 meters, flanked by shoulders and a ten-meter median. A notable inclusion is a 250-meter viaduct designed to traverse the Rio Grande. The new segment will conclude with a roundabout connecting to the current highway in Pizarra, paving the way for subsequent phases.
Future Prospects: What’s Next?
Additional Phases on the Horizon
Construction is anticipated to kick off in the coming months. Yet this project is merely the beginning, as the Board has two more sections in the drafting phase, totaling an additional eight kilometers: the Cerralba-Zalea section and the expansion of access points to Ronda via the A-367. Both projects were awarded for design in January 2025. However, over 70 kilometers leading to Ronda remain without a timeline or a finalized route, prompting community advocates to call for a more robust commitment from the authorities.
As developments unfold, the future of the Guadalhorce Valley highway may finally align with the needs of its users, bringing a long-awaited solution to the region’s transportation challenges.