The Spanish Ministry of Transport has given the go-ahead to a proposal set to boost connections within the expat-loved Alicante province.
Plans approved involve the creation of a third exit road between the existing AP-7 and Marina Alta, an area facing the Mediterranean Sea.
The coastal town chosen to be provided a direct link with the motorway is Xabia, a stunning seaside resort.
Counting a population of more than 27,000 people, this town is also particularly popular with foreign residents, who make up nearly half of the local population, according to data from 2022 released by the Instituto Nacional de Estadística.
This project is to cost around £25million (€30m) and authorities aim to begin the construction as soon as possible after the tendering process was completed in November.
The already existing motorway exits are located at the village of Ondara and the town of Benissa.
Besides providing popular Xabia with a direct connection to the motorway, this project is also thought to be beneficial in reducing traffic on the N-332 between Pedrequer and Gata de Gorgos.
The Government delegate in the community, Pilar Bernabe, said: “The improvement in these infrastructures, together with the commissioning of the Benissa by-pass and greater connectivity with the AP-7 is proof of the Government’s commitment to the infrastructures of Alicante province and the Valencian region.”
These plans come four years after the AP-7 was made toll-free, which made it easier to promote its use in the Marina Alta area.
Alicante, where more than 76,000 Britons live, is part of the Valencia region and is one of the most populous provinces in Spain.
The province is known for its busy seaside resorts, but the city bearing the same name is also worth the attention of tourists as it has plenty of attractions.
Among the resorts in Alicante most popular among UK nationals is Benidorm.
