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Ever found yourself glaring at a sea of brake lights on Espinardo interchange wondering if you'll ever get home? You're not alone. Last year, Murcia drivers wasted two days and six hours, that's 54 hours total, stuck in traffic jams, according to TomTom's Traffic Index. This global study crunched data from 3.65 trillion km of journeys, showing congestion steady at 30.1%, up from 2024 by two hours 33 minutes.

 

Think about your commute. That everyday 10km from El Palmar or Javalí Nuevo to the city centre? It drags on for 18 min 21 sec at 32.7kph. Mornings from 8-9am hit 54-59% increased travel times, as workers, students and delivery lorries pile in. Trips stretch to 68% longer Fridays 2-3pm around Espinardo, when folk bolt for weekend escapes. Ronda Sur, Avenida de Los Dolores, Gran Vía and Ronda Norte at Plaza Circular top the trouble spots.

 

After marking 15 years of minute-by-minute tracking, TomTom explains, "As cities grow and journeys multiply, the challenge of managing urban road networks continues to weigh heavily on municipalities, urban planners, and transport authorities. The Traffic Index confirms that keeping traffic moving has never been more difficult."

 

Last year's worst day? Thursday October 9, when delays averaged a 54% increase and rocketed to 141% at 2pm amid Storm Alice. Summers, however, surprisingly ease up nicely - August barely scraped 13-14% daily congestion, with holidays in full swing.

 

Murcia lands 15th among Spain's 25 biggest cities, with that 30.1% congestion. Valencia leads the pack at 41.6% (94 hours lost yearly), Barcelona close behind at 41.1% (109 hours), while Cartagena trails us at 18th with 29% (48 hours).

 

Let´s be honest, we've all muttered a few unrepeatables under our breath at all those red tail lights up ahead. Here's hoping 2026 brings smoother rides.

 

 

Image: Archive