Conde de Casal Residents Demand Metro Works Halt Due to Noise and Risks

Residents in the Retiro district report vibrations, safety incidents, and loss of public space due to the Line 11 Metro extension.

Generic image of a construction barrier in a nocturnal urban setting, symbolizing disruption from construction work.
IA

Generic image of a construction barrier in a nocturnal urban setting, symbolizing disruption from construction work.

Residents in the vicinity of Conde de Casal roundabout, in the Retiro district, have raised their voices to demand the halt of construction work for the new interchange and the extension of Metro Line 11 during nighttime hours, early mornings, and holidays.

The local community reports deafening noise and building tremors caused by activity that typically runs from 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM. This situation has generated concern for the integrity of homes and the quality of life in the area.
Following an initial meeting on April 21, those affected expressed their apprehension about the safety of their homes. Debris falling from residential buildings due to strong vibrations has been reported, leading some communities to install protective netting at their own expense. Residents lament the lack of information from the Community of Madrid, the City Council, and the UTE in charge of the works, recalling precedents of structural damage in other locations.
A serious incident occurred on May 2, when the works caused a gas pipe to rupture, resulting in a leak. According to residents, the only communication received was a verbal instruction to close windows for those who inquired about the incident.
Measurements taken by the Municipal Police have confirmed noise levels exceeding legal limits. Residents request that nighttime rest, established between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM, be respected, and report that their complaints have not received an official response.
In addition to noise problems, there is an increase in public safety concerns. Poor lighting and the creation of narrow passages with fences have created areas of low visibility where robberies have already occurred. This situation particularly affects elderly people and those with reduced mobility, who avoid walking through the neighborhood at certain times due to fear.
The works have also led to the disappearance of approximately 135 parking spaces, including those reserved for people with disabilities. Furthermore, recurrent traffic cuts affect the M-30 and access to shops and building entrances. Since May 8, the tunnel has remained closed, negatively impacting traffic flow and surface public transport.
Residents and associations Retiro Norte and Los Pinos de Retiro Sur will present their demands at the Retiro Municipal Board plenary session on Tuesday, May 12, at 5:00 PM. Their main demands include the suspension of nighttime and holiday works, the creation of a monitoring committee with neighborhood participation, access to information on vibration measurements, and a detailed work schedule.
They also request guarantees regarding emergency plans, lighting, and public safety, as well as direct communication channels with the Community of Madrid and the City Council. In addition to their intervention in the plenary session, those affected have agreed to send a letter to the Ombudsman and request a labor inspection to defend their rights and the safety of the neighborhood.