Major Roads Reopen, Easing Congestion
According to Madrid City Council’s project schedule, traffic restrictions on the Puente de Vallecas due to construction will be lifted starting at 6:00 AM on August 31, 2026. The bridge had previously closed two lanes in each direction for the laying of noise-reducing asphalt, causing severe traffic jams. Engineering departments report that the project progressed smoothly, finishing well ahead of schedule, and road capacity will be largely restored.
Simultaneously, sections of Calle de Alcalá will also return to normal. The road will be restored to three lanes in each direction, with an additional bus lane added on each side to improve public transport efficiency. For now, only some areas around the Plaza de la Independencia will remain partially occupied for finishing touches.
Southwest Traffic Network Gradually Optimized
Traffic conditions in southwest Madrid are also seeing continuous improvement. The entrance connecting the M-30 motorway to Avenida de Portugal has reopened. Furthermore, the detour on Calle de los Yébenes is expected to be removed next week, further simplifying the surface road network.
The highly anticipated Paseo de Extremadura underground tunnel project has also made new progress. The civil engineering phase of this 3.2-kilometer tunnel is nearing completion, and it is expected to be officially operational by the end of 2026, which will significantly improve traffic flow in the area.
More Projects Nearing Completion to Tackle September Traffic Peak
To prepare for the traffic peak from the September return-to-work and back-to-school period, Madrid is accelerating several projects. The Túnel de Mariano de Cavia and Paseo de la Infanta Isabel in the Atocha area are also set to reopen soon.
The coordinated reopening of this road infrastructure, combined with the ongoing Metro Line 11 extension project, forms a comprehensive strategy. After a period of disruption from over a year of intensive construction, these efforts are expected to bring tangible improvements to the daily commute for Madrid’s residents.
