Over 250,000 vehicles departed the Barcelona metropolitan area on Friday between 12:00 and 20:00. This marks 44% of the total expected for the initial phase of the Easter holiday exodus. The significant outflow caused widespread congestion on key routes.

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The Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) reported these figures. They anticipate 580,000 vehicles will leave by 15:00 on Saturday. This constitutes the first major phase of the Easter holiday travel operation. Many residents begin their long weekend journeys at this time.

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Roads across Catalonia experienced significant congestion on Friday afternoon. An accident on the AP-7 at Altafulla, heading towards Tarragona, caused 12-kilometre queues. It also closed one lane for an hour. However, all lanes have since reopened, easing some pressure.

Widespread Traffic Congestion

Further south, the AP-7 also saw queues of up to 12 kilometres. This occurred between Cerdanyola and Mollet, also in the direction of Tarragona. These delays affected thousands of motorists. Within Barcelona, the B-20 ring road recorded 9-kilometre queues. These extended between Les Corts and Valldaura, impacting urban travel.

The B-20, a vital artery for Barcelona, connects various districts. Les Corts, a densely populated district, and Valldaura, a gateway to the city’s northern areas, frequently experience high traffic volumes. The Easter exodus exacerbates these usual patterns.

Easter Travel Impact on Barcelona

The annual Easter holiday period typically sees a substantial increase in vehicle movements. Barcelona residents travel to other parts of Catalonia or Spain for family visits or short breaks. This mass exodus significantly impacts local road networks. It also affects travel times for those remaining in the city. Tourists visiting Barcelona may also experience delays when travelling to and from the city’s outskirts.

Authorities will monitor traffic flow closely as the first phase of the Easter departure operation concludes on Saturday afternoon. They advise travellers to check real-time traffic updates before setting off. Drivers should expect continued high volumes on major routes throughout the weekend.

Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.