Asturias and Spanish government clash over AP-66 highway safety and tolls

A recent concrete slab collapse in the Negrón tunnel on the AP-66 highway (Autopista del Huerna) has reignited a political conflict between the Asturias regional government and the Spanish central government. The incident forced a total closure of the highway for several hours, diverting traffic through the Pajares pass.

Asturias President Adrián Barbón argued that the incident proves the road is not in adequate condition to justify the current tolls, which cost passenger vehicles 16.20 euros for the full route from Campomanes to León. The regional government and transport sectors have criticized the ongoing maintenance and construction works, which are reportedly over a year behind schedule.

The Ministry of Transport defended its response, stating that the road was reopened in a record time and that structural experts will visit the site to evaluate the situation. While the Ministry suggested the collapse was a normal occurrence during construction, regional authorities maintain that the infrastructure's state and the continued collection of tolls despite delays are unacceptable.