Expect moderate to high traffic volumes across Spain this weekend, with significant congestion anticipated around major urban areas and event locations, particularly in Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona.

The traffic situation will intensify from mid-afternoon, as DGT predicts a major ‘Operación Salida’ (weekend getaway) with vehicles heading away from cities towards coastal areas and popular tourist destinations.

High volumes are expected on motorways such as the A-3 (Madrid to Valencia), A-2 (Madrid to Barcelona), and the AP-7 along the Mediterranean coast. Delays are also probable in Valencia due to the GT2 European Series, which starts today and will cause increased traffic on local roads around the Circuit Ricardo Tormo.

Travellers heading from Spain to other European countries, particularly via France, should be aware of the ongoing strike action in France today, Thursday, which is expected to cause a ripple effect of delays and disruptions at border crossings and on major cross-border routes like the AP-7, which connects to the French A9.

Traffic will remain heavy in the morning, especially between 9 am and 1 pm, as the last of the weekend traffic makes its way out of the cities. Congestion is likely on routes serving popular beaches and mountain retreats.

In Valencia, the second day of the GT2 European Series will continue to impact local roads, especially around the circuit. In Madrid, the Jardín de las Delicias Festival will cause traffic disruption around the Complutense University campus, with high numbers of attendees arriving throughout the day and into the evening.

Likewise, in Logroño, La Rioja, the Fiestas de San Mateo will see an increase in local and regional traffic, with events like the ceremonial grape stomping attracting visitors and potentially causing delays.

The main traffic issue today will be the ‘Operación Retorno’ (return operation), with high volumes of vehicles returning to major cities. The most intense congestion is expected from the late afternoon and into the evening on the primary access routes to urban centres.

The A-3 (from Valencia), A-2 (from Barcelona), and the A-4 and A-5 motorways (to Madrid) are all likely to be affected. In addition to return traffic, the final day of the GT2 European Series in Valencia and the ongoing festivals in Madrid and Logroño will keep local road networks busy, with particular congestion anticipated as people leave these events.

Next week, traffic will return to its usual weekday patterns. However, significant traffic is expected in Barcelona from the 23rd of September, as the city celebrates its largest annual street party, the Festes de la Mercè. This will involve numerous road closures and diversions in the city centre.

Additionally, the Fiestas de Carthagineses y Romanos in Cartagena, Murcia, will continue to cause local traffic disruption as historical re-enactments take place throughout the week. Road users should also be mindful of several ongoing roadworks, including a project on the A-397 road linking Ronda with San Pedro Alcántara in Málaga, which remains partially closed.

The post Moderate to High Traffic (and ROMANS) Expected in Spain This Weekend first appeared on N332 Travel Updates.