The Ministry of Public Works of the Government of the Canary Islands is implementing a temporary solution to manage vehicular flow affected by the Belén María underpass project. A provisional ramp will be built connecting the GC-1 highway directly to the Muelle Pesquero roundabout, thereby diverting a portion of the traffic destined for the port facilities.
This new access will allow drivers to leave the GC-1 before reaching the Belén María construction zone and enter the Port of Las Palmas via its southern entrance. The initiative, coordinated with the Port Authority of Las Palmas, specifically aims to reduce traffic load during morning peak hours, when travel towards La Isleta, El Sebadal, and the port facilities converges.
The establishment of this diversion occurs as the underpass project enters a critical phase involving excavation for the future underpass. Recently, land has been occupied, lanes modified, and median elements removed to secure the necessary space. The ultimate goal of the work is for transit traffic between the Avenida Marítima and El Sebadal to pass beneath the current roundabout, segregating these movements from the accesses to La Isleta, the Port, and industrial areas.
The execution of these works, which formally began in July 2024 with a contract worth 25.44 million euros and an initial timeframe of 29 months, has faced setbacks. In 2025, hydrocarbon residues were detected in the subsoil, necessitating additional analyses and adjustments to the initial schedule. Throughout 2026, visible work has included the relocation of over 40 palm trees and the repositioning of essential utility networks.
The planning involves the lateral displacement of lanes, also utilizing port land, to keep main traffic movements open while freeing up the necessary strip for tunnel construction. In early August, lighting towers near the roundabout were dismantled to facilitate subsequent construction phases.
