The return journey causes traffic jams on the AP-7 and on the roads of the Pyrenees

BarcelonaWith most of the vehicles expected for Monday's return journey already back to Barcelona, ​​traffic remains heavy in some parts of the road network. While the roads coming from the Pyrenees saw the worst traffic jams at midday and in the afternoon on the last day of the Immaculate Conception long weekend, with queues on the C-16—which connects to the Pyrenees via the Cadí Tunnel—, the C-14 near Organyà (Alt Urgell), and on the Al-N (Ripollès), the queues shifted, as usual, to the AP-7 at night. On this motorway, which typically experiences heavy traffic on holidays and weekends, queues of at least 9 kilometers were reported northbound towards Barcelona, ​​between Granada del Penedès and Olèrdola, and intermittent traffic jams were also reported between Sant Celoni and La Roca del Vallès, also heading towards the Catalan capital. And in the Penedès region, two accidents complicated not only traffic on the highway but also the opening of the additional lane. A collision between a car and a van caused an oil spill, forcing its closure. There were also 14 kilometers of congestion on the N-260 between Ribes de Freser and Ripoll, and 11 kilometers on the C-14 between Ponts and Oliola. Later that night, an accident between Bruc (Anoia) and Collbató (Baix Llobregat) forced the closure of this highway southbound, towards Barcelona. Although detours were in place, there were at least 8 kilometers of traffic jams. According to Trànsit estimates, approximately 460,000 vehicles left Barcelona and its metropolitan area for the long weekend, and 250,000 of them are expected to return today between midnight and 12:00.

Peak hours and traffic jams

The long weekend for the Immaculate Conception holiday began on Friday in a somewhat exceptional situation due to the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Catalonia. Restrictions due to the disease in a total of 91 municipalities The surroundings of Collserola Park influence the activities that can be carried out in the natural area, although in the Pyrenees The ski resorts are experiencing a few days of peak activity. of visitors.

On what has been the first long weekend since summer, the most important thing to keep in mind is peak traffic on the roads. The outbound traffic ran from 3 p.m. on Friday until the same time on Saturday, while the return traffic – with an expected 250,000 vehicles returning to the Barcelona area – began this Monday at noon and will last until midnight. The Director of Traffic, Ramon Lamiel, urged caution to avoid accidents.

It should be noted that the long weekend coincides with an increase in commercial traffic for the Christmas holidays, both from consumers and delivery drivers, and that it is considered the start of winter travel, with more vehicles heading to inland destinations further north in the country and at ski resortsIn this regard, disruptions were expected around shopping centers and Christmas markets, such as the Espinelves Fir Tree Fair and the Vic Medieval Market, which will mainly affect the C-17 and C-25 highways. Traffic jams are also expected on the N-145 and N-260 for access to Andorra.

Checkpoints and speed cameras

The Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) have deployed 1,425 officers and planned up to 910 checkpoints on main and secondary roads: 293 for alcohol and drugs, 165 for distracted driving, 129 for passive safety, 128 for motorcycles, 123 for speeding, and 72 for transport vehicles. Three radar units will also be operating on the A-2 and AP-7 highways along the Ebro River. In fact, on the latter, the reduced speed limit southbound came into effect this Friday: 100 km/h for general vehicles and 80 km/h for trucks. Additionally, the Catalan Traffic Service and the Catalan police have two radar-equipped helicopters and a light aircraft, all with cameras to broadcast live traffic incidents. In La Seu d'Urgell and Bellver de Cerdanya, mobile information panels will be installed to indicate the best route back from the Pyrenees.

Special lanes and limitations

To improve traffic flow, both during the departure and return journeys, the Traffic Department is implementing special measures, such as contraflow lanes, lane closures, merging lanes, access closures, and shoulder markings, among others. There are also restrictions on truck traffic on several roads this Friday, Saturday morning, Sunday, and Monday afternoon.

Restrictions on the natural environment

When choosing a destination, this year special attention must be paid to restrictions due to African swine fever. The Generalitat This Friday, the ban on leisure activities was extended. in the natural environment within the 91 municipalities included in the restricted area [see infographic below]. In these locations, as in the entirety of Collserola Park, leisure activities (walking, running, cycling), hunting, and forestry activities are prohibited within areas designated as natural environments.

This refers to wooded areas; riverbeds and streams; meadows and cultivated fields; and parks and paths outside urban areas, in addition to natural parks. The Catalan government, appealing to the individual responsibility of citizens, clarified that academic activity at the Autonomous University (in Cerdanyola del Vallès, where the outbreak began) and the operation of restaurants, riding stables, sports centers, and other businesses located in natural areas within the affected municipalities remain permitted.