Present

On August 12, Catalonia will experience exceptional mobility heading to the main eclipse observation areas: Terres de l'Ebre, Camp de Tarragona and Ponent. For this reason, the Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) has prepared a special device to facilitate travel and guarantee road safety.

Traffic recommends using alternative high-capacity roads to the AP-7, which will be the main mobility axis and where truck traffic will be restricted
The AP-7 motorway will be the main mobility axis during this day and to preserve its road capacity and prevent significant congestion, special traffic management and surveillance measures will be deployed.
The SCT recommends that users use other high-capacity roads to distribute travel according to the eclipse observation destination:
• C-25 and A-2 for travel to the Ponent regions.
• AP-2 to access observation areas such as Lleida, Les Borges Blanques, Valls or Prades.
• A-7 and N-340 for travel between Camp de Tarragona and Terres de l’Ebre.
To facilitate and support mobility resulting from the eclipse, the Catalan Traffic Service will deploy a special device with several measures:
• Reinforcement of information at the roadside through fixed and mobile variable message panels
• Installation of specific signage for guidance to observation points
• Regulation, through the Mossos d’Esquadra and Local Police, of access to observation areas
• Intensive static and dynamic patrolling by the Mossos d’Esquadra to distribute the flows of entry and exit along different itineraries to avoid collapses, as well as to avoid improper parking on the shoulders
• Reinforcement of the crane device for the removal of possible incidents and also of aerial patrolling and surveillance (especially on the AP-7 in the Ebro).
• As part of mobility management measures, traffic restrictions will also be introduced for heavy goods vehicles, special transport vehicles, special-purpose vehicles, and vehicles carrying dangerous goods. Specifically, these vehicles will not be allowed to travel southbound on the AP-7 motorway between Martorell and Ulldecona, or on the N-340 road between Vilafranca del Penedès and Alcanar, also southbound, between 5:00 p.m. and midnight. In addition, traffic restrictions will apply to all goods transport vehicles and buses with a maximum authorised mass of 7,500 kg or more. These vehicles must use the right-hand lane at all times, will not be permitted to overtake, and will be subject to a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h on the AP-7 motorway. These restrictions will be in force in both directions between Ulldecona and El Vendrell from 2:00 p.m. until midnight. The aim of these measures is to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety in anticipation of the expected increase in travel associated with the eclipse.

Special attention to Terres de l’Ebre and Prades
The Delta de l’Ebre is one of the points where a higher influx of visitors is expected. For this reason, specific traffic regulations will be established at the entrances to several municipalities in the area such as l’Ampolla, l’Aldea, Deltebre, Sant Jaume d’Enveja, Amposta and la Ràpita.
Prades is another point that may concentrate a lot of traffic. The municipality has set up parking areas and walking routes to reach the observation areas. In addition, traffic regulations will be established in Alforja and Vilanova de Prades to facilitate access and avoid delays.

Mobility tips
• Plan your journey in advance.
• Check the traffic situation before setting out.
• Follow the instructions of the agents and organizing staff
• Do not follow the instructions of GPS navigators exclusively. Some routes may be altered by traffic restrictions, specific regulations or special detours established to manage eclipse mobility.
• Always prioritize official information and existing road signage.
• Use the authorized parking lots.
• Do not park at entrances, exits or points that hinder circulation.