Spain's AP-4 highway delay sparks calls to extend third lane to Cádiz

The Confederation of Employers of Cádiz (CEC) has labeled the lack of a timetable for the AP‑4 third‑lane project as "unacceptable" and is urging the government to speed up works and extend the lane to Jerez and Cádiz. The CEC argues the current administrative approval does not guarantee construction and points to chronic traffic jams that have reached 26 km and affect logistics, tourism and emergency response.

The Andalusian regional government and the Sevilla business federation (CES) have also pressed the Transport Ministry to accelerate the project, noting that daily traffic on the AP‑4 now exceeds 85,000 vehicles, a 50 % increase since the toll was removed, with heavy‑vehicle traffic tripling. They criticize the limited scope of the approved 34.4 km stretch between Dos Hermanas and Las Cabezas, demanding a full extension to Cádiz.

Jerez mayor María José García‑Pelayo echoed these concerns, accusing the state of discriminating against Cádiz by halting works north of Sevilla. She recalled a meeting with ministry officials in Madrid who reportedly refused to undertake any road or rail projects in the Cádiz province, calling the situation a "permanent firewall" that harms both road and rail connectivity.