Lorraine Williamson
A major motorway serving Valencia has been closed in both directions after high-voltage electricity cables fell onto the carriageway during the early hours of Saturday 10 October. The incident has affected the V-21 between Valencia and Port Saplaya, forcing motorists onto alternative routes.
The closure began shortly after 4.00 am and remained in place on Saturday morning while technical crews worked to make the area safe. Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) has not announced a confirmed reopening time.
The affected section of the V-21 runs between approximately kilometres 14 and 18, near Alboraia, on one of the main roads connecting Valencia with coastal towns to the north. All lanes in both directions were closed following the incident, with traffic diversions established at either end of the affected section.
The disruption comes during the October bank holiday weekend, when millions of motorists are travelling across Spain. Drivers heading towards Valencia or travelling north along the coast are being advised to check current road conditions before starting their journeys.
Why has the V-21 been closed?
High-voltage electricity cables fell across the motorway during the early hours of Saturday, creating a serious hazard for passing vehicles. Emergency traffic restrictions were introduced while specialist teams worked to remove the damaged infrastructure and restore safe conditions.
Local reporting indicates that a vegetation fire in the Alboraia area may have damaged the electricity infrastructure, causing cables to fall onto the road. The full circumstances of the incident have not yet been officially established.
Which routes can drivers use?
The DGT has established diversions to prevent vehicles from entering the closed section of motorway. Traffic approaching Valencia from the north is being diverted near kilometre 14, in the Port Saplaya area, towards the CV-311.
The A-7 and CV-35 have also been identified as alternative routes for drivers needing to reach Valencia or continue their journeys. Motorists should expect additional traffic on surrounding roads while the restrictions remain in place.
The V-21 is an important connection between Valencia and the northern coastal communities, including Alboraia and Port Saplaya. The closure may therefore affect both local journeys and longer-distance traffic using the route.
Source: À Punt, 10 October 2026
Closure coincides with Spain’s October holiday traffic
The disruption comes as Spain experiences one of its busiest autumn travel weekends. The DGT expects approximately 5.7 million long-distance road journeys during the special traffic operation for the Fiesta Nacional holiday on Monday 12 October.
The operation began on Friday afternoon and continues until midnight on Monday, with additional traffic expected on routes leading towards coastal destinations, second homes and major cities. The return journey on Monday is expected to produce some of the heaviest congestion.
The DGT has urged motorists to plan their journeys, remain alert to changing road conditions and follow official traffic instructions. Drivers travelling in or around Valencia should pay particular attention to the V-21 closure and any subsequent changes to the diversions.
How to check whether the motorway has reopened
The V-21 closure was still being reported on Saturday morning, but road conditions can change quickly as repair work progresses. Motorists should not assume that the restrictions will remain in place throughout the day.
The DGT provides updated information on road closures, congestion and other incidents through its official traffic information service. Drivers can consult the online traffic map or telephone 011 for current road information before travelling.