The proposal to construct an alternative route between Ciutadella and Ferreries to avoid Ciutadella being cut off in the case of emergency has given way to a new road which would run parallel to the Me-1. The theory behind the Island Council's proposal is not so much that it would provide an alternative route on the rare occasions that the main road is blocked but that it could be used by cyclists, horse riders and hikers.
No definite route for the new road has yet been decided but current thinking places it parallel to the main road from Ferreries to Ses Arenetes, from where it would join the Camí de Ses Arenetes de Baix and the Camí des Caragolí, finishing at the Ronda Norte. The stretch from Ferreries to the foot of the Costa de Sa Quadra would run to the south of the Me-1 then it would change to the north as far as the Costa Nova, switching to the south again at the underpass leading to Cala Pilar until reaching Son Sintes where it would return to the north of the main road until joining the Camí de Ses Arenetes de Baix. The road would be five metres wide which, according to the Island Council, would allow two-way traffic in the case of emergency.
The Island Council has opted for the construction of a new road rather than make use of existing country lanes for various reasons, one of which is that only three of the suggested lanes would be suitable as an alternative route. After studying projects in other countries, such as Holland, it was decided to opt for a new road whose principal use would be for vehicles which cannot use the main road safely; bicycles, horses, hikers and agricultural machinery.
The new road would have the appearance of a lane, with a surface constructed from avant-garde materials which look like earth but have the consistency of asphalt.
However, there is a long way to go before the project becomes a reality. The Island Council is currently reserving a 25-metre wide stretch of land on either side of the road which will be left untouched until a final decision has been made on the construction of the new road.
Opposition to plans
The project has met with widespread opposition from various political parties in Ciutadella, ASTRAME (transport association), S'Enclusa residents' association in Ferreries and the ecological group GOB.
The political parties argue that this is not the proposal that was approved by Ciutadella Council which was for the use of existing lanes. ASTRAME's view is that this option will not solve anything for the transport sector as they doubt that the new road will be wide enough to take two heavy vehicles abreast. They also feel that it is an expensive option, an opinion shared by other interested parties which also feel that the new road would have a great visual impact on the countryside. There have been calls for more debate on the project before a decision is finally taken.
The Island Council has responded by stating that the proposal is just one option and that everything will depend on the Emergency Plan which is to be drawn up.
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