The City Council of Madrid will begin traffic cuts on Alcalá street this Friday, July 17, to construct the new central promenade of 3.8 meters. The disruption will last until the end of August, keeping two lanes open in each direction.
The works to transform the Puerta de Alcalá into a walkable boulevard will enter their most visible phase this summer. From Friday, July 17, the lane closest to the median heading towards Cibeles —between Plaza de la Independencia and Cibeles— will remain closed. Starting Monday, July 20, the same restriction will apply in the opposite direction, as announced by the mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida.
The aim of these closures is to begin the construction of the new central promenade on Alcalá street, a pedestrian space 3.8 meters wide that will restore the historical layout of the avenue. Sources from the Works Department highlight that this intervention will provide a much clearer view of the Puerta de Alcalá, one of the major icons of the Landscape of Light.
Two lanes open in each direction until the end of August
Despite the closures, two lanes in each direction will remain open for general traffic, including buses and taxis. This situation is expected to last until the end of August. The City Council has concentrated this phase in July and August to take advantage of the reduced traffic typical of the holiday season, although it recommends using public transport to avoid delays.
The complete renovation of Alcalá street and the area around the Puerta de Alcalá will be finished in November, when it will again be possible to pass through the arches of the monument. However, the entire project will extend until the first quarter of 2027.
Residents of the capital will notice a significant change in the Cibeles-Puerta de Alcalá axis. After the work, Alcalá street will gain a wider northern sidewalk, a segregated bike lane on the southern side, and 57 new large trees that will restore the historic double alignment of trees. The pavements will also be renewed with granite, and the lighting will feature historic design lampposts.
The Cibeles fountain, covered for restoration
These closures coincide with another unusual sight: the Cibeles fountain has been covered since Wednesday with a large tarpaulin sponsored by L'Oréal, while undergoing a comprehensive restoration that will last about five months. The intervention includes cleaning the stone, sealing cracks, and addressing moisture and corrosion issues, at a cost of 350,000 euros fully borne by the company.
The tarpaulin depicts the fountain against a backdrop of blue sky, trees, and clouds, similar to what occurred during the restoration of Neptune. Thus, for much of the summer, the two major symbols of the axis will share the spotlight: one hidden under a tarpaulin and the other surrounded by construction works.
Plaza de la Independencia will also be transformed so that the Puerta de Alcalá is no longer perceived as an isolated monument in the middle of a roundabout. There will be new pedestrian crossings and a bike lane linking Alcalá with Serrano and Retiro park. Additionally, terraces and urban furniture will be reorganised.
For drivers in Madrid, the municipal recommendation is clear: avoid driving in the area over the next few weeks and opt for public transport. The bus lines that run along Alcalá will maintain their routes but may experience delays. The closures will be lifted at the end of August when the new central promenade is completed.
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