The DGT is preparing a special operation for the last return operation of the summer.

Summer inevitably ends and with it, a wave of return movements is looming on the roads. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced a special operation that will run from Thursday to Sunday, with the expectation of approximately 6.8 million long-distance trips. This massive flow of traffic, characteristic of this time of year, poses significant challenges for logistics and mobility throughout the country. The return operation is made up of two main streams: on the one hand, travelers leaving coastal tourist areas to return to urban centers; and on the other hand, those leaving cities for beach destinations and rest to start the September holiday month. This convergence of movements generates a complex choreography of traffic on Spanish roads.

The first day of the operation, Thursday 31st, will mark the beginning of the agitation on the roads, especially between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., when high traffic intensities are anticipated in the return direction. The main roads connecting coastal areas with urban centers will experience traffic jams and a constant flow of vehicles.

On Friday, between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., traffic intensities in the direction out of the cities will be added to this equation. This is a day when those who have not yet had the opportunity to enjoy their vacations head to coastal destinations, creating a tide of traffic on the access roads to these areas.

On Saturday morning, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., heavy traffic will continue in the outbound direction due to the start of the weekend and the September holiday month. Traffic flows will combine with the usual weekend movements towards second homes and beaches. The afternoon will bring the gradual return of those who have completed their holidays.

Sunday will see the final push for return, with high traffic intensities between 4:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Both travelers finishing their holidays and those who have had a weekend getaway will contribute to the traffic flow. The main communication routes from coastal areas to cities will experience traffic problems.

Furthermore, traffic flow extends beyond borders, as vehicles with foreign license plates also undertake the return journey to their European countries of origin. This reality adds an additional element to logistics and traffic management in areas close to border crossings.

The DGT, in view of these challenges, recommends that drivers plan their trips in advance and avoid peak traffic hours whenever possible. In order to ensure safety and fluidity on the roads, traffic regulation and surveillance measures have been put in place. The creation of additional and reversible lanes during peak traffic periods, as well as the restriction of dangerous goods vehicles and special transport, are some of the actions taken to maintain mobility.

Likewise, measures will be taken to minimize disruptions to the road network, such as the suspension of roadworks and the limitation of events that occupy the roadway. Recommended alternative itineraries will be provided, considering the origin and destination of travelers, with information on distances and travel times. Efficient traffic management becomes a crucial pillar to ensure that this return operation runs safely and smoothly.

In short, the massive flow of vehicles during the summer return season presents logistical and mobility challenges that require effective measures to ensure safety and fluidity on the roads. Coordination between traffic authorities, drivers, and transportation systems is essential to successfully address this operation and allow travelers to return home or continue enjoying their well-deserved vacations.