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The city of Murcia is bracing for significant alterations to its transportation infrastructure as the local government aims to address traffic flow problems in the busiest areas. The works, which will all take place over the next couple of weeks, have divided opinions among residents and advocacy groups.

 

The primary objective of these changes is to facilitate the exit of vehicles onto motorways and ring roads, reducing congestion and improving overall traffic fluidity.

 

 

Well, the list is a long one, but firstly Councillor for Mobility José Francisco Muñoz plans to alleviate traffic congestion in the Carmen and Infante neighbourhoods. The council will essentially reverse many of the mobility works carried out by the previous government, particularly in El Rollo, Teniente Flomesta Avenue, Plano de San Francisco and the streets of Almela Costa and Pintor Pedro Flores.

 

“It is not about bringing more vehicles, but rather allowing those that are there to leave and that benefits decarbonisation and the fluidity of traffic,” explained councillor Muñoz.

 

One of the most notable changes will occur on El Rollo, where the second lane will be reinstated to reduce backups on Calle Floridablanca and expedite the exit to the motorway. Additionally, the roundabouts providing motorway access will be reconfigured into a "super roundabout" to speed up traffic flow.

 

Similarly, Avenida Teniente Flomesta will revert to two-way traffic, eliminating the dedicated bus lane. This adjustment aims to reduce congestion on Calle Correos and Gran Vía, providing a more direct route to the motorway via Plano de San Francisco.

 

As for the work in Pedro Flores and Almela Costa, the most notable thing is that both roads will regain a two-way traffic system. In Pintor Almela Costa, the bus lane from Pío Baroja towards Torre de Romo will be removed (it will be shared with the rest of the vehicles) and in Pintor Pedro Flores, the bus lane from Torre de Romo towards Calle Industria will disappear. According to Muñoz, with this final configuration "road safety will be improved and more pleasant environments will be generated by avoiding the use of the inner roads of the Carmen and Infante neighbourhoods".

 

Likewise, this change, in addition to creating an exit towards Ronda Sur, aims to relieve pressure on Marqués de Corvera.

 

However, this is by far the most controversial change planned, and not everyone is embracing these new traffic patterns with open arms.

 

The Barriomar Residents' Association has voiced strong opposition to the removal of the exclusive bus lane in El Rollo, calling the decision "detrimental to sustainable mobility." They have warned of a potential "autumn of hostilities" if their concerns are not addressed.

 

The Platform for the Defence of Public Transport also criticises the modifications, claiming they favour cars over sustainable transportation.

 

Instead, the group is advocating for measures to reduce vehicle numbers, implement Low Emission Zones and create a modern, less polluting bus network.

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia