News
Sierra Oeste regains ten roads, but three remain closed
Mobility is improving in Madrid’s Sierra Oeste after several days of closures caused by forest fires. Traffic has now been restored on ten regional roads, including the M-507, one of the main routes connecting the area’s municipalities with the rest of the region.
In addition to the M-507, the M-501, M-510, M-531, M-533, M-537, M-539, M-540, M-541 and M-855 are operational again. The reopening facilitates everyday journeys for residents, workers and essential services in a county highly dependent on road transport.
Three sections remain closed. The M-521 does not permit traffic between kilometres 23 and 29 uphill, the M-512 remains closed between kilometres 0 and 19, and the M-957 is still closed from the start of the road to kilometre point 5.75.
The situation may continue to change as emergency work and safety inspections progress. The authorities maintain their recommendation to avoid unnecessary travel to the most affected areas and to check road conditions before starting a journey.
The fires have affected more than a hundred kilometres of the regional network and thirteen roads in municipalities such as Aldea del Fresno, Villa del Prado, Navas del Rey, Pelayos de la Presa, Robledo de Chavela, Valdemaqueda and Santa María de la Alameda.
The Community of Madrid has announced a recovery plan to repair damage caused by the fire and by the constant passage of emergency vehicles. Technicians will inspect the asphalt, signs, road markings, safety barriers, ditches and other safety elements.
The work will be carried out progressively, with priority given to sections showing the greatest damage or those most necessary for local mobility. It will also be necessary to remove burnt remains and check the condition of trees beside the roads.
The reopening of the M-507 and the other roads makes it possible to recover a large part of Sierra Oeste's connections, although normality is not yet complete. The outstanding closures and repair work will continue to affect some journeys over the coming days.