Woman Behind Life-Saving Costa del Sol Pedestrian Bridge to Be Honoured in Estepona

A Life-Saving Intervention, 42 Years Ago

A woman credited with prompting a life-saving pedestrian bridge on one of the Costa del Sol's busiest roads will receive recognition this month in Estepona.

Stella Bosworth, a Manchester native, will return on April 23 to the Bena Vista footbridge near El Paraíso — 42 years after her actions led to its construction.

How It All Began

During the 1980s, Bosworth worked as a manager for UK travel firm The Experience Group, which transported up to 25 planeloads of tourists weekly into Málaga. During a 1984 visit, she witnessed first-hand the dangers of the coastal road between Málaga and Estepona — then regarded as one of Europe's deadliest stretches, with frequent fatal crashes.

At the same time, The Experience Group's founder Alan James was developing the Bena Vista commercial centre across both sides of the road. Bosworth took decisive action, threatening to resign unless a pedestrian footbridge was built.

When authorities failed to provide backing or funding, James privately financed the structure, which was completed in just six months.

A Bridge That's Still Saving Lives

More than four decades later, the bridge remains a crucial crossing for residents and tourists, credited with preventing countless accidents. A ceremony will honour Bosworth's role in what organisers describe as a life-saving intervention.

Campaign for Improvements

Local residents continue advocating for bridge improvements, including accessibility ramps for disabled users and pushchairs. They have already raised €16,000 toward these restorations.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 19, 2026.