Road traffic across Spain this week is expected to be moderate to heavy, particularly on routes leading into and out of major urban centres. The DGT has issued a forecast warning of potential congestion due to the return of holidaymakers, as well as several significant events, including a national cycling tour, regional holidays, and local fiestas. Drivers should anticipate delays and plan their journeys accordingly, particularly on the national road and motorway network, as well as on secondary roads affected by events.

Traffic is expected to be heavy as the ‘Operación Retorno del Verano’ (Summer Return Operation) concludes, with a high volume of vehicles returning to cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville.

The A-3 from Valencia to Madrid and the AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast are likely to be particularly congested.

In addition, a new section-control speed camera will begin issuing fines on the V-30 in Valencia, between kilometre points 4.650 and 8.850. The DGT advises drivers to be aware of the new enforcement on this high-traffic route.

It is also a public holiday in both Extremadura and Asturias, which will see an increase in local traffic on secondary roads, particularly on the A-66 (Vía de la Plata motorway) and the A-5 between Madrid and Badajoz.

Traffic levels should ease slightly on Tuesday, though commutes into and out of cities will remain busy.

The Day of Ceuta is a local holiday in the city, which may cause some minor disruptions on local roads.

The ‘Vuelta a España’ cycling race has a rest day on Monday in Pamplona and resumes on Tuesday with stage 10, running from Parque de la Naturaleza Sendaviva to El Ferial Larra Belagua, which will cause diversions and closures on local roads in Navarre.

Mid-week traffic is generally lighter, but there will be localised disruptions due to the ‘Vuelta a España’ cycling race. Stage 11 takes place entirely in Bilbao, which will see significant road closures and diversions in the city centre. The local police (Policía Local) of Bilbao and the DGT will be managing traffic, and drivers should expect delays and consider alternative routes.

The ‘Vuelta a España’ continues with stage 12 from Laredo to Los Corrales de Buelna, impacting traffic on the A-8 (Autovía del Cantábrico) and local roads in Cantabria. Additionally, it is the National Day of Catalonia, which is a public holiday in the region, causing a large volume of traffic on roads leading to and from Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. The DGT warns of potential congestion on the AP-7, C-32, and B-20 motorways.

As is typical for a Friday, traffic will increase significantly from the early afternoon, with a mix of commuters and weekend holidaymakers heading away from urban centres. This is also the date of stage 13 of the ‘Vuelta a España’, which is a mountainous stage from Cabezón de la Sal to L’Angliru, which will cause widespread closures on rural roads in the mountains of Asturias. Drivers in the area should be aware of these closures and follow official diversions.

The DGT’s forecast for the weekend indicates high traffic volumes, particularly on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon and evening. This is a key period for long-distance journeys as people travel for the weekend.

The ‘Vuelta a España’ continues, with stage 14 on Saturday from Avilés to La Farrapona (Lagos de Somiedo), and stage 15 on Sunday from A Veiga/Vegadeo to Monforte de Lemos. These stages will cause significant road closures and delays on the A-66 motorway and other regional roads in Asturias and Galicia, and drivers are advised to check the DGT website for real-time updates.

Looking ahead to next week, traffic levels are expected to return to more typical post-summer patterns, with the primary focus shifting to the ‘Vuelta a España’ as it progresses through northern Spain. The DGT will be managing traffic for the race, and we anticipate localised disruptions in Galicia and Castile and León.

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