Anyone heading out on the Costa Blanca this weekend may want to allow a little extra time, with Spain’s traffic authorities expecting more than five million long-distance journeys.
The DGT has launched a special All Saints traffic operation as families travel for the long weekend, visit cemeteries and make autumn trips to the coast, countryside and second homes.
Around 5.34 million long-distance road journeys are expected across Spain, alongside a large number of shorter local trips.
For drivers in the Valencian Community, today is likely to remain busy on roads heading towards coastal and mountain destinations, while the main return traffic will build on Sunday afternoon.
Monday is a normal working day in the Valencian Community, so most weekend travellers are expected to head home before then.
Expect another busy day on the roads
The first major wave of traffic began on Friday afternoon, but the DGT expects heavy traffic to continue today.
Drivers heading away from larger towns and cities could encounter congestion on routes towards the coast, second homes and mountain areas.
Traffic may also build around popular destinations as the morning progresses.
Sunday will bring a slightly different pattern.
All Saints’ Day traditionally generates large numbers of shorter journeys as people visit cemeteries, so local roads around towns and cities could become particularly busy.
Then the weekend exodus goes into reverse.
From early Sunday afternoon, the DGT expects return traffic to increase on the main routes leading back towards cities in regions where Monday is a working day, including the Valencian Community and Murcia.
Cemeteries will generate plenty of local traffic
Not all of the expected congestion will involve motorway journeys.
All Saints’ Day remains one of the busiest times of the year for Spanish cemeteries, with families travelling to clean and decorate graves and leave flowers.
That means roads around cemeteries can become much busier than usual, while nearby parking may fill quickly.
Anyone planning a cemetery visit on Sunday may find that a relatively short local journey takes considerably longer than expected.
DGT brings out the full toolkit
Traffic authorities have mobilised additional resources for the weekend.
Guardia Civil traffic officers, traffic management centres, aerial units, road maintenance teams and emergency services are all involved.
The DGT will also use its usual collection of enforcement technology, including fixed and mobile speed cameras, helicopters, drones and cameras capable of detecting mobile phone use and drivers or passengers without seat belts.
Where congestion becomes particularly heavy, traffic managers can introduce additional or reversible lanes and recommend alternative routes.
Authorities can also restrict some roadworks, sporting events and heavy goods traffic to keep the busiest routes moving.
Remember the new emergency corridor rule
There is another reason drivers should pay particular attention during heavy traffic this weekend.
Spain’s new emergency corridor rules have applied since the beginning of October.
When traffic on a motorway or dual carriageway slows to walking pace or stops, drivers must create a clear route so emergency vehicles can get through.
On a road with two lanes travelling in the same direction, vehicles in the left lane should move towards the left while vehicles in the right lane move towards the right.
The gap between them becomes the emergency corridor.
On roads with three or more lanes, vehicles in the far-left lane move left. Traffic in the other lanes moves towards the right, creating the emergency route between the left-hand lane and the lane immediately beside it.
Drivers should create the space when congestion develops rather than waiting until blue lights appear in the mirrors.
Autumn weather adds another complication
The DGT is also reminding motorists that autumn conditions can change quickly.
Rain, fog and occasional frost can reduce visibility and grip, while shorter daylight hours mean more journeys take place in darkness.
Checking the forecast before a longer journey, making sure tyres and lights are in good condition and increasing the distance from the vehicle ahead can make a significant difference when conditions deteriorate.
Heavy rain deserves particular caution. Slowing down and leaving more space gives drivers more time to react and reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- The DGT expects around 5.34 million long-distance journeys during the All Saints weekend.
- Traffic is likely to remain heavy today on routes towards coastal, mountain and second-home destinations.
- Sunday will bring numerous shorter journeys as families visit cemeteries.
- Return traffic in the Valencian Community is expected to build from Sunday afternoon because Monday is a normal working day.
- Guardia Civil officers, drones, helicopters, cameras and speed-control equipment form part of the special operation.
- Drivers must create an emergency corridor when motorway or dual-carriageway traffic slows to walking pace or stops.
- Autumn rain, fog, frost and reduced daylight can increase driving risks.
- Checking traffic conditions before setting out could help drivers avoid the worst congestion.
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