Spain is preparing to bid farewell to one of its longest-standing tolls, a remnant from the Franco era, as part of the country’s broader shift toward free highways.
The toll, located on the A-6, which connects Madrid with A Coruña, has been in operation since 1963. Known for its hefty charges, the toll will officially be removed in 2029, marking the end of a 30-year concession renewed in 1999.
A legacy of paid roads
The toll on the A-6, particularly the stretch encompassing the Villalba-Villacastín-Adanero route, has long been one of the most significant and expensive in Spain. This section includes the famous Guadarrama Tunnel, which was inaugurated by Franco himself. The tunnel, stretching nearly 2,900 metres, was a crucial link between Castilla y León and Madrid, significantly reducing travel time between the regions.
Over the years, the toll road has expanded, connecting key cities like Ávila and Segovia to the capital via the AP-51 and AP-61. With a total length of over 115 kilometres, this route has been a vital artery in Spain’s road network, but at a steep cost—drivers currently pay over €33 to travel the entire route, with the Villalba-Adanero section alone costing €14.60.
The end of an era
The decision to phase out the toll is part of Spain’s ongoing negotiations with the European Union regarding the future of road tolls in the country. In recent years, many toll roads in Spain have transitioned to free use as part of a broader effort to reduce travel costs and improve access. The removal of the A-6 toll is expected to significantly increase traffic on the road, with estimates suggesting a daily rise of 20% to 30%.
To manage the anticipated surge in traffic, the Spanish government has commissioned studies to assess the necessary infrastructure upgrades. These studies aim to ensure that the A-6 can handle the increased load, which is likely to include vehicles currently using alternative routes like the N-VI, N-110, and N-603.
A glimpse into Spain’s toll network
While the A-6 toll is set to disappear, several other toll roads remain operational across Spain. These include the AP-9 (Ferrol to the Portuguese border), AP-7 (Málaga to Estepona), and AP-68 (Bilbao to Zaragoza), among others. Each of these roads continues to play a crucial role in Spain’s extensive highway network, even as the country moves towards more toll-free travel options.
Also read: Price rise of 11 Spanish toll roads limited to 4% by 2023