The situation on the AP-66 highway, which connects Asturias and León, has become one of the most talked-about topics among local residents. Months-long traffic restrictions—linked to tunnel upgrades and slope reinforcement following the 2024 landslide—have noticeably worsened conditions for drivers and businesses. The Asturian authorities have formally appealed to the Ministry of Transport and the company Aucalsa, demanding a reduction in the toll fee during the period of ongoing works.
According to El Pais, the regional government’s decision is tied to numerous complaints about service quality and constant speed and capacity restrictions. Inspections by relevant agencies revealed a persistent and significant decline in the level of service along the entire route. The situation is especially difficult in tunnels and mountainous areas, where temporary detours and lane narrowings are often in effect.
Pressure on the concession
Asturian authorities point out that the current state of the AP-66 does not meet the standards expected of toll highways. Reports have documented numerous incidents related to traffic management, which negatively impact travel time and safety. Regional officials emphasize that these conditions are incompatible with the requirements for vital public transport corridors.
The Ministry of Transport has not yet issued an official response to the request for a tariff reduction. If the request is denied, the Asturias authorities are prepared to take the matter to court to seek a review of the highway’s operating conditions. The region is also continuing to challenge the extension of the toll concession until 2050, considering the decision unfair for local residents and businesses.
Economic impact
According to an analysis by russpain.com, the worsening conditions on the AP-66 have already affected the region’s logistics and economy. Prolonged restrictions have caused freight delays and increased costs for companies operating between Asturias and central Spain. Authorities are demanding not only a reduction in tolls, but also a transparent schedule for completing all works, as well as technical updates on the progress of reconstruction.
The list of demands includes the immediate restoration of normal service levels, a review of toll policies based on the actual quality of services, and stricter ministry oversight of the concessionaire’s actions. The need to assess the impact of restrictions on the economy and on residents’ daily lives is also emphasized.
Oversight and responsibility
Regional authorities are insisting on a review of work plans and the resolution of accumulated issues to prevent further disruptions. It is important for the Ministry of Transport to strengthen its oversight of the concessionaire’s obligations and to safeguard users’ interests. As El Pais notes, the situation with the AP-66 has sparked public debate and could lead to a reassessment of how toll roads are managed in Spain.
Questions about infrastructure quality and toll rates on highways have repeatedly sparked disputes between regional and central authorities. For instance, recent discussions focused on changes in the Andalusian healthcare system, where concerns were also raised about fair resource allocation and service standards — details on the reforms in Andalusia demonstrate that similar debates are arising in other sectors as well.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in cases where large-scale roadworks have resulted in prolonged restrictions and increased driver frustration. In 2025, a similar situation occurred on the A-8 in Galicia, where bridge repairs led to temporary detours and reduced speed limits, prompting a wave of criticism directed at concessionaires. In Catalonia in 2023, there were discussions about partial toll refunds amid extensive tunnel modernization works. These examples highlight that the issue of the quality and cost of toll roads remains relevant for different regions of the country.
