215 million for the Airport–Pozo Negro highway segment, now up for tender

The General Directorate of Road Infrastructure of the Government of the Canary Islands has launched the tender for the Airport–Pozo Negro stretch of the North‑South axis highway on Fuerteventura, with a base budget of €215,924,834.

“We are talking about a long‑awaited piece of infrastructure that now has all the technical, administrative and environmental guarantees to take a definitive step forward,” said Pablo Rodríguez, head of Works for the Canary Islands Executive.

Key Highlights

• Largest road project ever tendered in Fuerteventura – the most valuable segment of the North‑South axis.
• Technical approval was granted in September 2025; the procurement process began in December after a particularly complex technical and environmental review.
• First bitunnel on the island – a 1.2 km twin‑tube tunnel designed to protect natural habitats and sensitive species such as the hubara (a native bird).
• Improved connectivity – the new stretch will link the airport with major roads FV‑2, FV‑413 and FV‑50, easing access to tourist hubs like Caleta de Fuste and various urban and rural areas of the municipality of Antigua.
• Economic boost – the project is expected to generate significant activity and employment on the island.

Tender Deadline

Companies may submit their bids until 5 February, 18:00 CET, via the State Public Procurement Platform.

Main Works Included

• Construction of a ≈1.2 km tunnel with false tunnels at both ends.
• A 190 m viaduct over the Barranco de La Torre.
• New interchanges to improve connections with FV‑2, FV‑413 and FV‑50.
• Upper and lower passages to maintain continuity of existing roads and accesses.
• Installation of photovoltaic panels to power all lighting, links and the tunnel, making the highway energy‑neutral and self‑sustaining and contributing to the island’s decarbonisation goals.

Wider Subterranean Initiatives in the Canary Islands

The bitunnel on Fuerteventura is part of a broader Canary Islands strategy that includes:

• The El Remo–La Zamora tunnel in La Palma.
• The Mogán tunnel in Gran Canaria.
• The Mesa Mota and Las Cucharas tunnels in Tenerife.

Recent modernisation efforts also target existing tunnels such as La Laja: Adolfo Cañas and Piedrasanta (Gran Canaria) and Los Roquillos (El Hierro), upgrading them to meet new European safety and sustainability standards.

“Underground works in the Canary Islands have not only linked mountains but also improved mobility, safety and the quality of life for Canary residents,” Rodríguez added, citing examples like the Faneque tunnels in Gran Canaria and the El Jorado tunnel in La Palma, among others.

These initiatives underscore the region’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and enhanced island connectivity.