Drivers in Catalonia were in for a real surprise: on the AP-7 highway near Martorell heading south, where chaos reigned just recently after the collapse of a massive wall, traffic will be allowed again in the left lane as early as Saturday afternoon. The decision comes after heated debate and thorough inspections, but many still can’t believe that reopening could happen so quickly after the recent events.
Let’s recall that just a few days ago, something happened on this stretch that shocked even experienced motorists: part of the wall supporting the roadbed suddenly collapsed, causing not only transport chaos but also a serious accident on the Rodalies railway in Gelida. Authorities were forced to completely close the highway, leaving thousands of drivers trapped in traffic jams and detours. The situation reached a boiling point, and many were left wondering when traffic would be restored.
Unexpected decisions
On Friday, Catalonia’s road service representatives announced: after an emergency inspection, Ministry of Transport specialists deemed the left lane of the highway completely safe for use. For extra driver protection, special New Jersey concrete barriers will be installed along the lane to remove even the slightest risk of entering the dangerous area. This approach sparked heated debates among locals and experts—some see it as a bold move, while others fear it may be premature.
Authorities assure that all safety measures have been observed, and the opening time was chosen deliberately. Traffic on the left lane will resume exactly at 14:00 to avoid a peak influx of vehicles during the busy weekend. For those unwilling to take risks or preferring alternative routes, free passage remains available on the C-32 toll road—this gesture aims to ease congestion and reduce driver tension.
Aftermath of the accident
The collapse of the wall on the AP-7 has put the region’s transport system to the test. Within hours of the incident, traffic was paralyzed, and a rail accident made matters even worse. Many Rodalies passengers had to seek alternate ways to reach their destinations, while massive traffic jams formed on the roads. Debates continue on social media: who is to blame, and could the disaster have been prevented?
Meanwhile, road services and police (Mossos d’Esquadra) are working in reinforced mode to maintain order and safety on the restored section. Drivers are urged to be especially cautious and strictly follow the instructions of traffic officers. Despite reassurances from officials, many motorists remain wary of the road reopening—the memories of the recent incident are still too fresh.
Unanswered questions
Opening the left lane of the AP-7 is only a temporary solution. Experts warn that fully restoring the route could take much longer than officials promise. For now, drivers must put up with restrictions and hope that the new safety measures truly work. Authorities pledge to keep the situation under control, but local residents are not letting their guard down—too many questions remain unanswered.
The situation on the AP-7 in Martorell has become another reminder of how vulnerable transport infrastructure can be, even in the most developed regions of the country. There is a long road ahead to restore confidence and safety on Catalonia’s roads. For now, drivers can only keep watching the news and hope there are no more unwelcome surprises.
