anticipated seven million displacements on the 15th of August bridge, prompting the installation of a Special Operations plan
Heatwave Sparks Mass Travel Across Spain, Traffic Measures Intensified
As Spain bakes under a record-breaking heatwave, millions are expected to take to the roads for a variety of journeys this weekend. According to the Traffic Surveillance Forces of the Civil Guard's Traffic Group, around seven million journeys are anticipated during these days.
Many of these journeys will be towards coastal areas and beaches, providing much-needed respite from the heat. Additionally, many journeys will also be towards second homes for leisure and weekend rest during August.
In response to this increased traffic, the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard will have maximum availability of its human resources and will intensify measures to prevent speeding, drunk driving, and drug use. All movements will be put in place to ensure smooth traffic and prevent accidents during the operation.
On roads where a higher volume of traffic is expected, reversible and additional lanes with cones will be installed, and alternative routes will be established. The circulation of vehicles transporting hazardous goods and special transports, as well as general goods trucks, will be restricted on certain road sections, dates, and times.
Roadworks will be suspended, and any sporting events that occupy the roadway will be regulated. On Saturday, journeys will be made from the early hours of the morning in the exits of major urban nuclei and on itineraries that connect coastal populations and access to the coast.
The General Directorate of Traffic is launching a Special Operation on August 15th at 15:00 hours and ending on August 17th at 00:00 hours. Additional material resources will be used, including fixed and mobile speed control radars, cameras, unmarked vans for monitoring mobile phone and seatbelt use, helicopters, drones, unmarked vehicles, and motorcycles.
On Friday, the main areas of heavy traffic will be in the exits of urban nuclei and last-minute destination areas in the morning. Journeys on Thursday are predicted to cause high traffic intensities between 16:00 and 23:00 on major city exits, main communication routes leading to tourist areas, coasts, second homes, and towns celebrating festivals.
Due to the patron saint festivals in many towns, most short journeys will be made this weekend. On the last day of the bridge, most journeys will be made on roads connecting coastal populations, such as access to beach areas, and in the afternoon, the return of those who have finished their days of rest will begin.
Given the high risk of fires during these hot days, it is crucial to be constantly informed to avoid closed roads or other affected areas. The public is advised to check traffic updates regularly and plan their journeys accordingly.
While no specific details have been found about the traffic measures implemented during the August 15th bridge event in response to the heatwave and the seven million expected journeys, it is clear that extensive measures are being taken to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic across Spain this weekend.
