August 15th Departure Operation: Congestion on M-40, A-2, and A-3

The General Directorate of Traffic anticipates 5.6 million journeys this weekend, with particularly heavy traffic leaving Madrid.

Generic image of heavy traffic on a highway in the Community of Madrid at dusk.
IA

Generic image of heavy traffic on a highway in the Community of Madrid at dusk.

The Departure Operation for the August 15th holiday weekend commenced this Friday with slow traffic and initial delays on key roads in the Community of Madrid, including the M-40, A-2, and A-3.

The most significant traffic difficulties are located on the A-2, between kilometers 19 and 20, in the eastbound direction, covering the stretch between San Fernando de Henares and Torrejón de Ardoz. On the A-3, congestion affects kilometers 14.5 and 16, heading towards Valencia, between the capital and Rivas. The M-40, in its direction towards the A-5, also experiences slower circulation between kilometers 22.5 and 23.5.
The special operation by the DGT, active until midnight on Sunday, August 16th, estimates a total of 5,610,000 journeys on roads across Spain, encompassing both long and short-distance travel.
In addition to the usual mid-month travel, this period sees trips towards coastal areas, beaches, and second homes, during the peak August holiday season. Furthermore, local patron saint festivals in various Spanish towns will boost short-distance travel on both main and secondary roads. The DGT anticipates significant traffic intensity, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.
For Saturday, August 15th, heavy traffic is expected from early morning on the outskirts of major cities and on routes leading to coastal towns and holiday destinations. On Sunday the 16th, traffic could become complicated in the morning on roads connecting coastal areas. In the afternoon, between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM, the return of holidaymakers will begin, potentially causing delays on the main return routes.
The DGT reminded that this operation follows a weekend described as 'tragic' on the roads, with 19 fatalities. Consequently, the agency reiterates the importance of adhering to road safety measures and avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.