In recent weeks, Spain has suffered the worst floods in more than 50 years. The most affected provinces have been Albacete, Gerona and especially Valencia. The flash floods have caused extensive material damage and more than 200 victims. In the Valencia area, two of the most important roads in Spain have been affected, as well as several railway lines, both local and national.
Roads affected by the floods in Spain
Valencia is the junction of the A-3 motorway, which links Madrid and Valencia, and the A-7 motorway, which runs along the Spanish Mediterranean coast from Algeciras to Barcelona. Both roads have been affected by severe flooding in the Valencia area, so communications with Valencia are being affected. Work to repair the affected roads, including some local roads linking the two motorways, is progressing well, but it will take a few months to restore normal traffic. The main mapping applications available online already show the diversions in place and the time required to travel in the area. There may be occasional restrictions on heavy traffic, so it is important to consult the information provided by the Spanish authorities before travelling (official DGT information).
In other areas affected by the floods, such as Cadaqués (located on the Costa Brava, in Gerona), the damage has not affected the main communication routes, so traffic in the area is running normally.
Spanish train routes affected by the floods
Train traffic on the Madrid-Valencia line has been suspended. The Spanish authorities expect train traffic on this route to resume on 14 November. The connection between Barcelona and Valencia by train has been re-established, although with restrictions (less frequency and reduced speed). Trains linking Valencia with localities in its catchment area (Cercanías) will take weeks or months to be re-established.