The proposal, presented by the municipal leader, primarily seeks to eliminate the division created by the road infrastructure between districts and improve an area described as «heavily degraded» by traffic and the passage of time. It was emphasized that the future of the capital lies in the south, and that this project addresses a long-expressed need by the community.
“"The future of Madrid passes through the south and through Puente de Vallecas."
The intervention is expected to significantly improve 23,900 square meters of public space, with 3,770 square meters allocated for pedestrians. The plan includes the creation of five new pedestrian routes, the installation of new crosswalks, widening of sidewalks, renewal of public lighting, and the planting of 48 trees and over 10,000 shrubs and climbing plants.
Additionally, the project includes the pedestrianization of Monte Oliveti street, the reorganization of bus stops, and the creation of new resting areas under the bridge. These spaces will also house municipal facilities and offices for M-30 management and the public transport company. The project incorporates vertical gardens on the bridge ramps, acoustic screens to reduce noise, and sound-absorbing pavement made from recycled tire powder. The total investment exceeds 11.5 million euros, with construction expected to begin in September and continue until the summer of 2028.
However, the proposal has been met with strong rejection from neighborhood associations, who have called it a «hoax», «absurd waste», and «costly and useless facelift». They consider the intervention to be merely «cosmetic» and not a real improvement in the quality of life for affected neighborhoods such as San Diego, Numancia, and Adelfas.
“"What we want is for the foundations to be laid for the definitive removal of the scalextric, a true fracture in the city and a symbol of the enormous territorial and social imbalance that Madrid still suffers."
Neighborhood groups insist on the need to definitively dismantle the scalextric, recalling that this measure was unanimously approved in the municipal plenary session in March 2021. They denounce that the municipal administration has linked the removal of the infrastructure to the Abroñigal operation, which they consider an «excuse» to shift responsibility to the central government. They propose allocating the 11.5 million euros from the project to other historical demands of the district, such as the municipal library on Monte Oliveti street, the Vallecas School of Music, or a public facility in the former Fernán Caballero school.
