Spain’s transport ministry to build fourth lane on Catalonia’s AP-7 highway

The Spanish transport, mobility, and urban agenda ministry has announced its intention to build a fourth lane per direction on Catalonia’s main highway, AP-7. The project would see an extra lane between the southern seaside town of El Vendrell and Barcelona’s nearby city of El Papiol. 

The idea is to start biddings before 2022 ends for a construction project estimated at €200 million. On Wednesday, Spain’s infrastructures secretary-general Xavier Flores highlighted the importance of the fourth lane after most highway tolls were lifted on August 31, 2021.

Lifting tolls increased traffic congestion Flores said and therefore the need for the 50 kilometers extra lane between the two cities.

The decision will avoid building a fourth road around Barcelona (B-40) that would have crossed the Alt Penedès county, near the Catalan capital. To unite this highway with the AP-7, the Spanish ministry intends to build a connection outside Martorell. 

According to data shared by Flores, 100,000 vehicles use the AP-7 between El Vendrell and El Papiol, 20% more than before the tolls were lifted. This figure increases up to 50% when referring to trucks.

The traffic increase has also pushed for a higher number of accidents that have caused several traffic jams. 

"Having the possibility to move a broke vehicle if you have an extra lane, would allow the highway to be more resilient and avoid traffic jams," Flores said. The secretary-general warned of the risk AP-7 faces if the government does not act soon. 

Works could last up to a minimum of two years once the project has been approved. 

The Catalan government as well as those municipalities affected by the possible extension of the B-40 welcomed the news from the ministry.