The arrival of Pope Leo XIV is getting closer and closer It is being noticed in Madrid traffic. The Madrid City Council has already begun preparations to ensure that everything is ready for next June 6when the Holy Father will land in the capital. Therefore, they have already been applied several cuts in circulation of some roads in the center and modifications in the routes of different EMT bus lines.
According to city council estimates, they are expected concentrations of nearly 1,800,000 people in the different events that the pontiff will host in the capital. These events will begin the same June 6with a prayer vigil with young Christians in the Plaza de Lima; and they will continue the June 7with the first of the great masses scheduled for our country in the Cibeles Square. Given the magnitude of these events, a special device will be deployed to ensure the safety of both the people of Madrid and the Holy Father.
Likewise, Pope Leo XIV also has other events scheduled, with a tribute to the Virgin of Almudenaon June 8, as well as a visit to the Congress of Deputies and the Santiago Bernabéu State. On the last day of his trip, June 9, the pontiff will attend a meeting with volunteers at IFEMA Madrid. All these events will cause cuts in circulation and changes in public transport serviceso it will be a few difficult days to access the downtown areas.
These are the traffic cuts in Madrid this weekend due to the pontiff’s visit
Due to the beginning of preparations for the arrival of the Holy Father to the capital, several lanes are closed to traffic. In the Lima Squareone of the scenarios where the Pope will attend, different lanes are already closed from General Perón Street to Paseo de la Castellanain the south direction. Although you can still travel on two enabled lanes. Furthermore, the latter will not be accessible from Concha Espina in the south direction.
As a novelty, from the early hours of Sunday, June 31 to Monday, June 1, the north lane from Plaza de Lima, between Paseo de la Castellana and Concha Espinaleaving only two lanes for vehicle circulation. He complete closure It won’t happen until tonight. from June 3 to 4.
Another of the main scenarios will be located in the Cibeles Squarewhich has caused the closure of the bus stops that is located in front of the Army Headquarters Complex. However, starting early Sunday morning, lateral traffic on Paseo de Recoletos southbound will be closed, specifically from Prim Street to Plaza de Cibelesas well as two lanes in front of said plaza for the installation of two towers. He complete closure It will take place starting at dawn from June 4 to 5.
The restrictions also affect EMT bus lines
Drivers of private vehicles will not be the only ones to be affected by this situation, also users of vehicles. buses of the Municipal Transport Company (EMT). This is because, since May 26, they have been modified the routes of the lines 14, 43, 120 and 150, close to Plaza de Lima; and lines 1, 2, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 40, 51, 52, 74, 126, 146, 147, 150, N5, N6, N7, N12, N15, N20, N24, N21 and S10 that circulate around the Plaza de Cybele.
Likewise, also Traffic has been cut off at different stopsspecifically number 41, near Paseo de la Castellana; number 93, near Plaza de Lima; number 70, in Plaza de Cibeles at the height of Paseo del Prado. However, to compensate for this situation, trips on EMT buses will be free from June 3 to 9, except for the Airport Express Line.
The cuts have not yet affected the Madrid metro lines or the BiciMAD stations
For now, Madrid metro lines have not yet been affected. The cuts will begin on June 6 with the Nuevos Ministerios, Cuzco and Santiago Bernabéu stations, with the intention of expanding to more central ones such as Sol, Banco de España or Colón, among others. Besides, the frequency of trains will be reinforcedincreasing service by up to 125% on lines 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
The road closures will also affect the BiciMAD users from June 4 to 9due to the closure of the stations of Plaza de Cuzco, Nuevos Ministerios, Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Plaza de Felipe II, Recoletos Station, Banco de España, Metro Retiro and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, among others. However, as with the EMT buses, Trips will be free from June 3 to 9.