The local government will cover the expenses for the improvements aimed at making the elevated crosswalk between the residential areas ‘El Paraíso’ and ‘Benamara’ more user-friendly. The Estepona City Council has received approval from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility to carry out the necessary works. Deputy mayor Ana Velasco from the Department of Infrastructure, Development and Tourism (FIT) disclosed that the structure, situated on the A-7 highway, is in need of modifications to include access ramps on both sides. These enhancements will benefit elderly individuals, those with limited mobility, cyclists, and parents with strollers. The council has committed to financing the entire project to ensure the convenience of residents who frequently utilize the crosswalk. Velasco mentioned that the technical project has already been prepared, funded by the residents and property owners of the area. The proposal entails installing two access ramps leading to the main entrance of the existing pedestrian overpass using reinforced concrete structures, featuring a maximum slope of 12.5%. The municipal government has been in talks with the Ministry for over three years to push forward this public interest initiative, which aims to make the infrastructure universally accessible and has been a longstanding request from the community. Following the ministerial approval, municipal services are now in the process of drafting tender documents for the construction works. The crosswalk, constructed in the early 80s by the developers of the area, comprises a combination of concrete and steel beams supported by metal pillars and is currently accessible only via multiple staircases on either side of the road. Additionally, Velasco highlighted other petitions made by the council to the Ministry, including the necessity for a new access route to Estepona from the A-7 to enhance mobility within the municipality. The council is prepared to finance this project entirely to address the escalating issues at this section of the A-7 due to the growing population. Furthermore, the deputy mayor mentioned previous efforts by the City Council to improve connections in the outlying areas, such as the construction of a ford to link Cancelada with Las Joyas, La Resina, and Selwo, the road connecting Camino Briján to Cancelada, and the pathway linking Casasola, Atalaya, and Isdabe. Ongoing projects include the establishment of a pedestrian pathway on the Benahavís road to connect the Mar and Monte residential areas with Alquería avenue.