Millions of citizens will be hitting the roads this Easter , and, as with any trip we plan to make with our vehicles, we should check the road conditions as a preventive measure and for information about our trip. We always recommend checking the Diputación General de Tráfico (DGT) website, where you'll find up-to-date information on any incidents on the country's road network. More than advice, we'd say it's mandatory before and during our trip to check the DGT road conditions on its website or social media. During Easter, the state agency offers various tips that, if followed, help us travel more safely and prevent accidents or any other road incidents. Logically, these include thoroughly checking our vehicles, planning our route in advance, and staying informed about the road conditions, as we say, to know how to react to foreseeable weather phenomena or traffic restrictions that may arise, among many other situations. We at Help Flash are taking stock of the state of the roads according to the DGT (Directorate of Traffic), ahead of one of the busiest long weekends in terms of travel, but also, unfortunately, one of the most fatal in terms of serious and fatal accidents.
DGT Road Status: Interactive Information
The
DGT website provides all users with a map that is updated in real time with traffic conditions and incidents occurring at any point on the national road network. You can check the status of DGT roads at
this link . Snowfall and the resulting ice affected several roads in the country last week, specifically in Andalusia, the Basque Country, the Principality of Asturias, Navarre, Galicia, Catalonia, and Castile and León. These are serious incidents (level red or black) that have resulted in complete closures on various sections of these roads, such as the DSA-191 and SA-203 in Candelario and Monsagro, in Salamanca; the NA-2012 near Ochagavía, in Navarre; and the CA-643 near San Roque de Riomiera, in Cantabria. Regarding
motorways and dual carriageways , we have not had any significant incidents at any point on the national network to date. However, during this holiday week, we recommend that
you check the DGT road status daily on its website or social channels because this lack of incidents is likely to change, and you need to be well-updated to avoid problems.
Condition of the main roads to national destinations according to the DGT
One of the favorite destinations from the capital, Madrid, is undoubtedly the Valencian Community. The A-3 motorway is the direct access link to the Spanish Levante region , which thousands of Spaniards are expected to visit during the Easter holidays. With no incidents of note in recent weeks, the road's general condition is in perfect condition. Given the concentration of vehicles the road normally sees, regular maintenance has been intensified to ensure the safety of all drivers. At the beginning of this week, we are already observing congestion at certain points on the road towards Valencia due to irregular traffic.
Source: DGT[/caption]
On the other hand, the AP-6 motorway , which connects Madrid with the northwest of the country , is also in optimal condition, offering a smooth and safe journey for travelers. As for the AP-7 motorway, which connects Valencia with the north of the province, there was an accident today, Monday, March 25 , at km 603 in El Verger (Alicante). Therefore, we advise reducing speed and exercising extreme caution. A high flow of travel is also expected this week.
Source: DGT[/caption] Both motorways have emergency services and rest areas along their routes, as we well know. Do not hesitate to check the status of both roads through the DGT at all times in case the situation changes. Barcelona - Zaragoza We talk again about the AP-7 motorway, one of the main routes that connects Barcelona with southern Spain , crossing the Mediterranean coast. In general, the road is reported to be in good condition , with adequate maintenance and clear signage. On the other hand, the A-2 motorway , which links Barcelona with Zaragoza, is in optimal condition for traffic, with a pavement in good condition and safety measures implemented to prevent accidents.
High-risk roads to consider during Holy Week
We've known this historically, but now the
RACE Foundation confirms it in its latest Road Network Status Assessment report (2020-2022 period): The risk of traffic accidents on conventional single-lane roads is 55% higher than on dual carriageways. This report specifies that 1,974 kilometers of the total 25,100 analyzed kilometers show a high risk of accidents (8%). A total of
56 high-risk sections have been identified (9 of them "black sections" with high risk). The main ones to always keep in mind, but even more so during these times of mass travel, are:
- N-6 and N-642 in Galicia
- N-323 and N-432 in Andalusia
- N-631 and N-502 in Castile and León
- N-345 in Murcia
- N-634 in Cantabria
- N-340 in the Valencian Community
Source: RACE[/caption]
We must periodically review the DGT road conditions to update the specific points along these roads where incidents may occur. The RACE report also describes the typical characteristics of this type of dangerous road, which are usually conventional, single-carriageway roads with intersections at the same level and an average vehicle traffic of less than 10,000 per day.
Other roads to watch out for during these dates
In addition to all these roads requiring extreme vigilance if we travel on them, the mass movements expected this week will also involve other roads where, of course, extreme caution will be required:
AP-7 Motorway The AP-7 motorway, especially in certain sections, has been identified as a road with a high risk of accidents during the Easter period. The high traffic density and variable weather conditions can contribute to dangerous situations on this motorway. It is advisable to exercise extreme caution when driving on this road and to plan possible alternative routes in advance.
A-4 Motorway The A-4 motorway is also listed as a high-risk road during Easter. Known for its heavy traffic and sections with a high accident rate, we must take extra precautions when driving on this road. As always, we recommend moderate speed and strict compliance with traffic regulations to prevent potential incidents.
National N-340 We previously mentioned it in the RACE report. It has an extensive accident history. This road has numerous junctions, intersections, and winding sections. We advise extreme caution, especially in urban areas, and obey traffic signs to ensure a safe journey. The
A-7 motorway is also among the dangerous roads during the Easter holiday period. With stretches of heavy congestion and unpredictable weather conditions, this road requires attentive and preventive driving. Always maintain a safe distance and be alert for possible incidents along the way to avoid accidents.
Favorite destinations for Easter
Any destination is appealing when it allows us to disconnect and enjoy a few days of rest, leisure, family, and friends on all levels. Major national and international cities, remote locations, inland towns, coastal villages, natural settings... As you can see, we have no shortage of options. Of course,
before setting off on a trip , if we're traveling in our own vehicle, do a
thorough check-up to ensure everything is in order and in perfect condition. Also, be very careful if we're going to enter
low-emission areas , as you know, not all vehicles have access to mass. To find out the environmental label for our vehicle, the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) helps us again
here . Favorite Easter destinations? We can't speak for everyone, but let's keep it simple and list the most popular ones historically in our country:
Madrid
Madrid, it's said, empties out during Holy Week and summer. While this isn't entirely true, it certainly creates a sense of unease for its visitors during these dates, striking in comparison to their normal daily lives. That's why thousands of tourists choose to visit during Holy Week. With its impressive architecture, rich history, and lively nightlife, it offers an unparalleled variety of activities for visitors. Among the favorite places everyone visits are Retiro Park, the Prado Museum, and Plaza Mayor. But there are thousands more worth visiting.
Seville
Holy Week is synonymous with Seville, just as Seville is synonymous with processions. The devotion that the Andalusian capital exudes for its traditions at this time of year is the city's greatest attraction these days, even more so than its beauty and monuments. The 70 brotherhoods and confraternities of Seville's Holy Week are a spectacle of passion, emotion, color, and joy. But besides the processions, who could miss the legendary Giralda, the Plaza de España, or the Royal Alcázar during their visit this Holy Week? It would be an unforgivable sin. Speaking of processions, in many other Spanish cities they are also a symbol of beauty and splendor. For example, in Ferrol, Toledo, Valladolid, Cuenca, Zamora, Teruel, Alicante, Murcia, and Málaga.
Malaga
Train and air connections to Málaga make the capital of the Costa del Sol a favorite destination for many, without the main access road, the A-4, suffering from large crowds and traffic jams, precisely because many commuters opt for other transportation options. Beautiful processions begin on Holy Thursday, with the Basilica of the Brotherhood of Hope a must-see, and, of course, its 15 beaches where you can enjoy privileged natural spaces during these dates.
Barcelona
Barcelona, unlike Madrid, isn't said to be empty either in the summer or during Holy Week. As one of the most cosmopolitan cities, it's visited by millions of foreigners, as well as nationals, during these times. With its iconic modernist architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and delicious cuisine, it's no surprise, isn't it? No one can miss the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, or Las Ramblas, for example.
Valencia
Valencia, known for its beaches, futuristic architecture, and delicious paella, is also a popular destination for Easter. Although spring-like, even summer-like temperatures aren't unique to the Spanish Levante or the south, its radiant sunshine is a magnet for domestic and international tourists. What can we say about its City of Arts and Sciences, its old town, or the relaxing Malvarrosa beach, which is sure to have more than one bather these days?
Bilbao and San Sebastián
We haven't forgotten the northern part of the country, where Bilbao and San Sebastián are the main focus. In fact, San Sebastián (starting this Easter) will restrict the number of members of tourist groups visiting the city, so as not to disrupt the daily lives of the city's natives. Many visitors are expected in the Basque Country, partly to escape the high temperatures of other parts of the country, but, above all, attracted by its
Conclusions
We're entering a long weekend marked in red on the calendar, which will mean
thousands of trips on our roads . Having your
car ready, thoroughly inspected, knowing your itinerary, being well-rested before driving, and setting off calmly , respecting speed limits and general and specific road safety regulations, are key requirements for a safe trip. And at all times, keep checking the road conditions with the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) to be promptly informed of any accidents or incidents that may occur. If you have to stop your vehicle at any point on the road, use the Help Flash
v16 emergency light , the first approved beacon with geolocation. You won't have to get out of your vehicle; other users will easily see you, will be alerted to the situation by the variable information panels and their navigation systems, and will be connected to the DGT (Directorate General of Traffic).
