Drivers using country roads across the Axarquia could finally see improvements to road safety under a new provincial scheme to replace thousands of damaged and deteriorating traffic signs.
Diputación de Malaga (regional government) has set aside €771,748 to the Axarquia, covering 37 roads, as part of a €2.05 million programme to renew around 15,600 signs and other safety equipment across the province. The announcement adds to previous road improvements in the Axarquia.
The programme comes as road conditions continue to concern residents who rely on rural routes to travel between villages, reach work or access essential services. EWN has previously reported on the deteriorating condition of Spain’s roads.
37 Axarquia roads included in the plan
The programme covers 118 provincial roads stretching across approximately 860 kilometres. Signs and safety equipment currently in poor or deteriorating condition are due to be replaced.
Work will include new triangular, circular, square and octagonal signs, roadside posts, kilometre markers, reflective safety markers and directional panels. Some replacement signs and panels will feature illuminated technology to improve visibility.
The Axarquia has the largest allocation of the four areas covered by the programme. North Malaga and Antequera will receive €440,596, the Guadalhorce Valley €422,594 and the Serrania de Ronda €414,616. Works in the Axarquia are expected to take six months once they begin.
However, the announcement does not yet identify which individual roads will receive replacement signs, so drivers will have to wait for further details to know whether their regular routes are included.
New speed warning devices planned
The wider provincial scheme also includes 27 electronic speed indicator devices. These will measure vehicles’ speeds and display the results on LED screens, warning drivers when they are travelling too fast. They will not issue fines or penalties.
Separately, the Diputación is assessing proposals for another programme to repaint road markings across 600 kilometres of 99 provincial roads. That work would cover central and edge lines, junction markings and other painted road markings. It follows other road maintenance programmes, including resurfacing works on Malaga province roads.
While the latest announcement does not promise resurfacing or all pothole repairs, replacing worn signs and improving road markings could help make journeys safer for residents and visitors using the province’s rural road network.