Goodbye to traffic jams? Spain tests using hard shoulder to ease congestion
The DGT and Ministry of Transport begin trial to improve traffic flow on the AP-4 near Cádiz during busy periods
Spain’s traffic authorities are taking new steps to tackle the growing problem of congestion on major roads. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), together with the Ministry of Transport, has started testing an innovative measure that allows drivers to use the hard shoulder as an extra lane during heavy traffic periods.This “practical project” aims to ease bottlenecks in specific sections of the road network and improve safety by managing traffic flow more effectively. The test is currently underway on the AP-4 motorway near Las Cabezas de San Juan, between kilometres 41.12 and 44.5, on the route heading towards Cádiz.
Drivers travelling to Lebrija, Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and Trebujena will be able to use the shoulder as a temporary lane when congestion builds up, helping reduce queues and delays. The Ministry of Transport emphasises that this initiative is still in the trial phase and will only be applied during periods of high traffic, with final approval yet to be granted.
Traffic jams have been increasing steadily across Spain’s cities and main routes over the years, prompting authorities to act. Earlier measures, such as banning solo travel in certain Autonomous Communities, have been implemented to tackle road safety and traffic problems. Meanwhile, the DGT has been collaborating with regional governments to introduce sensible solutions that balance safety with efficiency.
This latest project draws inspiration from countries like Germany, where using the hard shoulder to increase road capacity has boosted traffic flow by up to 25% without compromising driver safety. To prepare for the trial, works are underway to adapt and standardise the shoulders so vehicles can travel safely on them.
If the test proves successful, the measure could be rolled out across other motorways and highways in Spain, providing relief for drivers during busy seasons, particularly the summer holidays when travel surges.
This initiative comes just weeks after the long-awaited Málaga motorway link opened, a project designed to ease traffic further in the region and improve connections between key areas.
As Spain continues to seek innovative solutions to its traffic woes, drivers can hope for smoother journeys in the near future.
Image: garten-gg/Pixabay
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