Palma will experience significant road closures and changes to public transport this weekend due to various cultural and sporting events scheduled as part of the Sant Sebastià festivities. The Local Police have put a series of measures in place to ensure safety and the smooth running of events taking place across different areas of the city.
Disruptions will begin on Friday 17 January and continue until Sunday 19 January. During this period, several public transport routes and road access points will be temporarily altered to accommodate the large number of people attending concerts, cultural activities and sporting events.
Measures and restrictions for Friday 17 January
Friday will see one of the most notable traffic disruptions, due to a concert scheduled to take place in Plaza de España as part of the patron saint celebrations. From 8pm on Friday until 2am on Saturday 18 January, the bus stop located on the central side of the square will be closed. This measure will affect several services operated by the Municipal Transport Company (EMT).
During this time, bus stops 598 and 455 in Plaza de España will be out of service. As an alternative, EMT has arranged for lines L25 and L35 to stop at point 1139, while line A1 and the Nit Bus services will be diverted to use stop 390. In addition, line L23 will operate from an alternative stop at 456.
Restrictions and diversions planned for Saturday 18 January
Saturday will be marked by access and traffic control measures in Plaza Joan Carles I, the main venue for the traditional afternoon street events. To ensure the safety of both the public and participants, vehicle access will be restricted between 6pm and 12 midnight.
Traffic towards the square will be blocked at several key points: from Passeig del Born, with closures at Plaza de la Reina; from Avenida Jaime III, with traffic diverted at its junction with Passeig Mallorca; and from La Rambla, with a closure at the junction with Calle de la Riera.
In addition, all access control points (Acire) located on Calle de la Riera and Calle Unió will be removed. This measure aims to ensure a secure, enclosed environment during the scheduled activities.
EMT will also divert several bus routes to adapt to the road restrictions. Lines L3, L4, L7, L20, L25 and L35 will modify their routes from 16:30 until approximately 24:00, affecting service at at least a dozen stops, including 7, 453, 986, 1048, 53, 105, 104, 54, 52, 106, 107, 50 and 108.
Traffic impact during the race on Sunday 19 January
On Sunday morning, the city will host the VI SNIP Marina Portixol de Palma race, which will result in partial traffic restrictions around Calle Joan Maragall. Between 10am and 1.30pm, outbound traffic towards Llucmajor will be suspended along the stretch between the Felicià Fuster roundabout and the junction with Calle Llucmajor.
During this time, vehicle access will only be permitted in the direction of Palma, and drivers are advised to plan alternative routes. As a result of these changes, bus lines L18, L27 and L35 will adjust their routes by diverting via the motorway as far as the Molinar exit. Bus stops 84, 462, 463, 464 and 465 will be out of service during this period.