A-11 highway development in Valladolid

Following a fatal accident on the N-122 highway between Sardón de Duero and Peñafiel, which marked the fifth death on that stretch in the year, attention turned to the delayed opening of the A-11 Autovía del Duero. The Ministry of Transport had previously estimated an opening for late July, but the project faced delays due to ongoing construction on the Duero River viaduct.

By late August, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility inaugurated two new sections of the A-11 in the province of Valladolid, connecting Tudela de Duero and Valbuena de Duero. The project took seven years to complete, which is double the originally projected timeframe, and was overseen by three different ministers.

Because the opening is partial, motorists must utilize specific local roads, including the VP-3302, VP-3001, and VA-101, to connect with the existing highway network. Minister Óscar Puente emphasized that the infrastructure is a critical safety measure intended to reduce accidents on the parallel N-122 national road, which is known for high fatality rates. Despite these safety goals, the project has faced criticism regarding its significant delays and the political nature of the inauguration ceremony.