Torrevieja Council has commissioned an independent laboratory to analyse rust-like staining on stainless steel railings installed along the Levante breakwater promenade. The issue has emerged just months after the refurbished walkway reopened to the public at Easter, following a renovation costing 6,543,733 euros.

The corrosion marks, particularly visible around joints and welds, have appeared despite the use of AISI 316 stainless steel, a marine-grade alloy designed to resist chloride corrosion. A previous batch of railings was removed before completion after tests suggested microbial contamination during transport. The affected sections were replaced under warranty, but similar problems have now returned.

Councillor for Services and Works, Sandra Sánchez, said the new analysis would determine the next steps. She acknowledged the railings’ appearance is not as it should be but said frequent manual cleaning by municipal staff would be unfeasible and ineffective. The project remains under guarantee.

The renovated promenade stretches for more than 1,200 metres and includes new technological wood decking, upgraded safety features and an energy-efficient RGB lighting system funded in part by EU recovery funds. Opposition councillors have raised concerns about the premature deterioration of materials in what is one of the town’s flagship coastal projects.