At the beginning of 2026, the Spanish Ministry of Transport announced the launch of one of the most ambitious road projects in recent years. The authorities allocated more than 97 million euros for the construction of the first section of a future highway, which is expected to relieve traffic in one of the most densely populated regions of the country. This is the so-called Arco Norte de Murcia (North Arc of Murcia) — a key component of a new transport scheme that could transform the daily routes of thousands of motorists.
The contract for the work has already been put out to tender, and its details will soon appear in official documents. The new segment will connect kilometer 652 of the A-7 highway with the Cabezo de Torres interchange, covering just over eight kilometers. This stretch, marked as ‘Section B,’ represents the first step toward implementing an ambitious plan to create a bypass around the regional capital.
Reasons for the change
Transport conditions in northern Murcia have long caused concern among experts. According to the ministry, more than 125,000 vehicles travel this route daily, leading to constant traffic jams and reduced road safety. The new project aims not only to ease life for local residents but also to improve safety for all road users.
The Northern Arc of Murcia is conceived as an alternative to the overloaded A-7, which has long been unable to cope with the traffic between Andalusia and the eastern provinces of Alicante and Valencia. Authorities expect the new route to separate through traffic and local vehicles, easing the burden on the current infrastructure.
Technical details
Construction of section B includes the building of 13 engineering structures: three major viaducts, four overpasses, and six underpasses. The route will start at the fourth kilometer of the MU-32 highway and end at the Cabezo de Torres interchange with the A-7. This approach aims not only to speed up traffic but also to improve safety on challenging sections.
At the same time, the ministry is already preparing to launch works on section A, which will be the next phase of the project. Officials emphasize that a comprehensive approach to developing the region’s transport network will help avoid chaotic construction and deliver long-term benefits for all of Murcia.
Context and outlook
The Northern Arc is not the only major project underway in the region. In 2025, work was completed on two sections of the A-30 motorway, which links Albacete and Cartagena via Murcia. These segments became part of the so-called North-Eastern Arc, which has already proven effective in reducing congestion on the A-7.
The A-30 highway now allows drivers to bypass the most congested parts of the city, which is especially important for freight transport and intercity travel. The first section starts at the Archena (MU-32) interchange and ends in Ceutí, with a length of 4.35 km. The second section runs from Ceutí to Las Torres de Cotillas, stretching 9.45 km. The total cost of this work has exceeded 169 million euros.
Next steps
In July 2025, two out of three sections of the Northwest Arc were opened, with completion of the final stage expected soon. The Ministry of Transport emphasizes that these projects are part of a long-term strategy for developing Murcia’s road network and the entire southeast of Spain.
In addition to major highways, the authorities are actively investing in upgrading existing interchanges and access roads. A recent contract was signed to improve the connection between the A-30 and MU-30, valued at nearly 12 million euros. Such initiatives not only increase the roads’ capacity but also reduce accident risks in more complex sections.
All these efforts demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to making Murcia one of the most comfortable regions in the country for living and business. The new roads create additional opportunities for the development of industry, tourism, and logistics, while also improving the quality of life for local residents.
The Ministry of Transport of Spain (Ministerio de Transportes) is a key body responsible for developing the country’s transport infrastructure. In recent years, the ministry has been actively implementing large-scale projects to modernize highways, railway lines, and ports. Special attention is given to regions with high population density and heavy traffic, where new routes can radically transform economic and social dynamics. The head of the ministry, Óscar Puente, is known for his commitment to innovative solutions and a comprehensive approach to transport system development. Thanks to his initiatives, Murcia and other regions are gaining an opportunity for a significant leap forward in mobility and road safety.
