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Construction Begins on New Pedestrian Walkway on Alcalá Street between Cibeles and Independencia

Madrid City Council starts work on a 3.8-metre pedestrian walkway on Alcalá Street, with traffic disruptions until August.

Carmen ReyesCarmen Reyes· · 3 min read

Madrid City Council begins work on the central 3.8-metre walkway that will enhance the view of the Puerta de Alcalá this Friday. Traffic disruptions will last until early August.

The Madrid City Council has confirmed that on Friday, July 17, the construction of the new pedestrian axis on Alcalá Street, between the Plaza de Independencia and the Plaza de Cibeles, will commence. The project, with an investment of 6.1 million euros, aims to restore the historical layout of the road and highlight the Puerta de Alcalá.

The initial work will involve the creation of a central walkway of 3.8 metres wide that will allow pedestrians to enjoy a privileged view of the monument. To facilitate this, the lane closest to the median heading towards Cibeles will be closed to traffic from Friday, and the opposite lane will be closed from Monday, July 20.

Traffic Disruptions and Recommendations

The disruptions will affect the stretch between the Plaza de Independencia and the Plaza de Cibeles, and are expected to last until early August. During this period, the City Council recommends that drivers use public transport and avoid driving in the area.

The works, carried out by the Department of Works and Equipment, will continue until November. The aim is to create a street section with two lanes in each direction plus a bus lane, the central walkway, and a segregated bike lane on the south side. Additionally, all pavement will be renewed and pedestrian areas will be expanded with new strips of vegetation.

Improvements in the Plaza de Independencia and Adjacent Streets

The project also includes the renovation of the garden in the Plaza de Independencia, where a new pedestrian crossing will be created on the west side to connect directly with the Puerta de Alcalá. The existing crossing on the east side will also be upgraded.

On Alfonso XI Street, the block between Alcalá and Valenzuela will be modified to widen the west sidewalk and change parking from angled to parallel. Meanwhile, on Pedro Muñoz Seca Street, the entrance will be adapted to the new configuration of Alcalá.

Residents of the Jerónimos neighbourhood and the Retiro area will be the most benefited, as they will gain a quality pedestrian space in the heart of the capital. The City Council expects that once the works are completed, Alcalá Street will regain its essence as a boulevard, with more space for pedestrians and less for cars.

For residents, the construction may cause temporary inconveniences, but in the long run, the result will be a more pleasant and safer environment. The council has assured that the public will be kept informed of any changes in mobility.

Carmen Reyes

Written by

Carmen Reyes

Redactora jefe

Periodismo por la Complutense y más de quince años pisando moqueta institucional. Cafés dobles, agenda infinita y cero paciencia para la palabrería; dirige la redacción de Madrid Red y coordina la cobertura de política y sociedad.