Works on the A-5 will complicate mobility in south-west Madrid this summer

The works, awarded for 15.4 million euros, will affect a motorway widely used by residents of Alcorcón, Móstoles, Arroyomolinos and Navalcarnero, as well as by those leaving Madrid for Extremadura or the western area during summer weekends.

The first major disruptions will begin on 6 July in the Toledo-bound direction. Between kilometres 13.4 and 14.2, the right-hand hard shoulder, the right-hand lane and part of the middle lane will be occupied. Only the left-hand lane and part of the middle lane will remain available, so traffic will be slower at that point.

Access from the junction at kilometre 13 to the A-5 towards Badajoz will also be closed. Drivers will have to use alternative routes via Avenida San Martín de Valdeiglesias and the M-50, a change that may particularly affect those who make regular journeys through the area.

Towards Madrid, the works will also cause restrictions between kilometres 24.4 and 23.5. Along this stretch, the hard shoulder and right-hand lanes will be occupied, while traffic will continue using the left-hand lane and part of the middle lane. The service road will remain open, although with greater traffic pressure at certain times.

These disruptions will be in place between 13 July and 26 August, within a work schedule that will include interventions at different points along the motorway. The works will take place mainly between the early hours of Monday and midday on Friday, to reduce the impact on weekend journeys.

Even so, the effects will be felt. July and August are months with less commuter traffic on some stretches, but also with holiday departures, short breaks and journeys to second homes. Any reduction in lanes on the A-5 can translate into queues at sensitive times.

Those travelling through the area will be advised to check traffic conditions before setting off, allow extra time and pay attention to temporary signs. Lane changes, closed access points and the presence of machinery will require greater caution than usual when driving.

The resurfacing aims to improve safety and extend the life of the road surface, a necessary intervention on a route that carries a high volume of daily traffic. The cost for users, however, will be more inconvenient travel for several weeks.

The A-5 serves as one of the main gateways to the south-west of Madrid. During this summer it will remain essential, but traffic will not flow as freely as usual. For many drivers, the difference will lie in planning each journey better and accepting that some trips will take longer than expected.