Major Traffic Jam Causes Delays In Málaga After A-7 Accident

An accident in the Cerrado de Calderón tunnel on the A-7 in Málaga caused a significant traffic collapse early in the morning on March 19, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after 6:00 AM when a van traveling towards Cádiz collided with road maintenance machinery, leading to the closure of two of the three lanes in the tunnel. According to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), this accident resulted in traffic jams extending up to 20 kilometers, reaching as far as Rincón de la Victoria.

Emergency services were alerted shortly after 5:00 AM, and local authorities quickly mobilized to assess the situation. As reported by Emergencias 112, one person sustained injuries from the collision and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Recovery efforts were swift, with authorities managing to reopen the left lane by 10:00 AM, though traffic remained sluggish for hours afterward.

Following the accident, the Ronda Este experienced severe congestion for over four hours, causing significant delays for thousands of commuters heading to work and school. The traffic situation disrupted the scheduled plenary session at the Diputación de Málaga, which was set to begin at 9:00 AM but had to be postponed due to several deputies getting caught in the massive gridlock.

Authorities encouraged drivers to seek alternative routes, which also saw increased traffic. Major backups were reported on the MA-24, an alternate road connecting with the A-7, where delays extended around 6 kilometers. Similarly, the N-340 saw congestion adding another 5 kilometers to the travel woes for those navigating around the affected area.

By 11:00 AM, normal traffic flow was largely restored on the A-7, with all lanes reopened. However, the repercussions of the accident rippled through local road networks, causing ongoing delays in various surrounding areas, particularly as commuters adjusted their travel plans in response to the unexpected jam.

This incident underscores the unpredictability and potential danger of road travel, especially when maintenance is occurring in high-traffic zones. The maintenance work in the tunnel had been scheduled for the night prior and involved road work machinery, which inadvertently became a catalyst for the serious collision.

As the situation developed, other routes in Andalucía also reported issues due to adverse weather conditions, with up to 44 roads closed across the region due to heavy rain and snow. The ongoing effects of storms had already created challenges for drivers statewide, compounding the difficulties caused by the tunnel incident.

Officials from the DGT noted that the impact of the Cerrado de Calderón accident was exacerbated by peak travel times, with commuters rushing to reach their destinations in the busy morning hours. The local police set up measures to alleviate some of the congestion and facilitate redirects where necessary.

Travelers were reminded to remain vigilant when driving in areas where construction and maintenance are taking place, and to carefully monitor traffic conditions, especially during inclement weather. The combination of a busy morning commute and operational hazards can create precarious driving situations.

While authorities were able to manage a quick response in this instance, ensuring the ongoing safety of public roads remains a priority. The incident serves as a reminder for all drivers to be aware of their surroundings and practice caution on busy highways.

As traffic normalized in the aftermath of the accident, commuters expressed relief that the situation was resolved relatively quickly, though many voiced concerns over the potential for future incidents similar to this one, particularly in active maintenance zones.

In the end, the incident at the Cerrado de Calderón tunnel serves as an unfortunate but stark reminder of the unpredictability of traffic conditions and the importance of road safety enforcement during maintenance operations. Authorities continue to assess ways to improve traffic management to prevent similar disruptions in the future.