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Issue 767
27 JUNE - 3 JULY 2014
UPyD pushes for a temporary N332 road division
WITH MORE than a million people headed towards the Coast, one thing for sure is that Torrevieja’s stretch on the N332 will become a major bottleneck. by Keith Nicol
Some of the Volunteers and supporters of Afecancer
Afecancer say ‘thanks’ by Keith Nicol THE NEW Cancer Support Charity, Afecancer are dedicated to helping victims of cancer and their families come to terms with the dreaded illness. Over the last few weeks, Teresa and her small team of volunteers have been busy organising events, to both raise awareness and funds, for the NGO. Read the full story on page 44.
See page 70
ALREADY THE section is experiencing major tailbacks causing frustrations and poor driving habits. Last Easter Torrevieja suffered the most serious traffic accident in Spain over the holiday period. This happened on the stretch of the N-332 close to the cemetery and desalination plant. Torrevieja is the only section of the N332 from Pilar de la Horadada through Guardamar del Segura that is neither a dual carriageway nor that has a dividing wall to separate the median along the centre of the road. This absence of a separating barrier has resulted in repeated and serious accidents, especially during peak periods. The majority of frontal, head to head collisions occur as drivers try and accelerate onto the busy main highway, lose control and crash into oncoming traffic. A dividing barrier would stop this happening. Each and every crash fatality is both devastating to family and friends and greatly harms the image of the city leading to other very negative consequences for tourism and the economy. The coordinator for the UPyD in Torrevieja, José Serna questioned Mayor Eduardo Dolon by saying: “Again, the
citizens suffer the consequences of electioneering and partisan interests of the PP and PSOE. What actions are being sought by Mayor Eduardo Dolon (PP) to find a solution to this problem that periodically costs lives? Are there any plans for real budget allocation from the central or regional government? Is there commitment and lead time?” Serna continued; “UPyD Torrevieja demand that after so many years of enduring this situation, the highest priority is given to our request to the corresponding governing bodies to place a dividing barrier through Torrevieja, in coordination with the needs of local and regional, existing and future traffic issues; considering additional infrastructure such as bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, etc.., with utmost urgency.” Today, Eduardo Dolon is expected to reply to the question during the monthly council meeting. A plan of action was announced earlier in the year when the SEE PAGE 34 Regional Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Isabel Bonig announced a ‘protocol agreement’ to allow tendering for the N332 work, once the final draft implementation is approved by the Ministry, with the idea that during 2015 the works are tendered.” Continued on page 8