Torrevieja strengthens urban infrastructure modernisation with a focus on stormwater management

The city of Torrevieja continues its gradual programme of urban infrastructure modernisation. Municipal services are carrying out audits of existing engineering systems and preparing projects to upgrade public spaces, with a particular focus on stormwater management, an increasingly strategic issue for Mediterranean coastal cities.

In recent months, local authorities have analysed areas where localised flooding and temporary traffic restrictions have occurred during periods of heavy rainfall. These include the Acequión and Nueva Torrevieja districts, as well as sections near the CV-905, where rainwater accumulates more quickly due to urban density and terrain characteristics.

According to municipal technical services, understanding how rainwater behaves across different parts of the city is essential in order to integrate effective solutions into long-term urban planning.

Stormwater management is viewed not as a one-off engineering measure, but as part of a comprehensive strategy for sustainable urban development. Key areas under consideration include:

• increasing the capacity of stormwater collectors;

• upgrading drainage systems in high-load areas;

• integrating water retention and drainage elements into street, park and square renovation projects;

• reducing the risk of road flooding during episodes of heavy rain.

The city is also drawing on the experience of other Spanish and European cities.In Alicante and Elche, dual-use urban spaces have been created that function as parks or squares under normal conditions and temporarily store rainwater during heavy rainfall.In Valencia, authorities have expanded storm drainage systems and green areas capable of absorbing and slowing runoff.In Barcelona, so-called “sponge streets” with permeable surfaces are being implemented to allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground.Cities such as Rotterdam and Copenhagen have introduced urban reservoirs and multifunctional public spaces that temporarily hold excess water during heavy rain, protecting residential areas.

Torrevieja’s municipal authorities emphasise that adapting to changing climate conditions is a long-term process aimed at improving safety and quality of life, and that projects will be implemented gradually as part of the city’s broader sustainable development strategy.