Spain has a extensive road network which is classified into different categories, each with its own numbers, characteristics and regulations. The motorways constitute the jewel of this network, where it is possible to reach speeds up to 120 km/h. They have at least two lanes in each direction and do not have direct access to neighboring properties. Highways have similar characteristics, but with limited access and steeper curves. Additionally, cyclists can travel on these roads if there is no alternative. Both routes are marked in blue and have restrictions for certain vehiclessuch as mopeds and pedestrians.
On the other hand, the national roads They allow a maximum speed of 90 km/h and generally have one lane in each direction, with the possibility of an additional lane for slow traffic. Regional roads are divided into three levels: first level (orange), regional (green) and local (yellow). These latter are short roads that connect neighboring towns. It is essential to know the characteristics and regulations of each type of road to guarantee safety and efficiency when driving.
Road numbers in Spain
In 1940, after the end of the civil war in Spain, a recovery process began which included the implementation of a new road planpreviously approved in 1939. This plan, designed by Alfonso Peña Boeuf, who served as Minister of Public Works under Francisco Franco, sought to organize the nomenclature of the country’s roads. Roads were categorized as “national,” “regional,” and “local,” followed by a number of up to three digits.
The road plan has been maintained in force until 1984although many planned works, such as asphalt improvement and road widening, have not been carried out in a large part of the territory. Six main routes have been established from Madrid to the following cities: Irún (1), Barcelona (2), Valencia (3), Cádiz (4), Badajoz (5) and La Coruña (6).
This system was also based on the The economic project of Bernardo de Wardpresented in 1762 and commissioned by Fernando VI. This document proposed the need for six main roads connecting Madrid to various cities, designated as national roads in the Peña Plan.
In addition to defining the main roads, the plan organized the map of Spain into five concentric circleswhich demarcated the territory into smaller zones. Each road had a final number which indicated its nature: an odd number indicated that the road was radial, while an even number indicated that it went around Madrid.
Over time, the nomenclatures have undergone modifications and new infrastructure plans have been established, the most recent being Strategic Infrastructure and Transport Plan (PEIT). However, the basic structure of regional roads has been maintained since the Peña Plan.
History of Kilometer Zero in Madrid
Puerta del Sol, an emblematic place in the heart of Madrid, is home to the the famous Kilometer Zerowhich marks the beginning of all radial roads in Spain. The choice of this point dates back to the reign of Charles III, in the 18th century, when Madrid underwent a profound urban transformation.
In 1769, the creation of a radial road system was proposed that would connect the capital to the country’s main cities, thus establishing a common starting point. The central location of Puerta del Sol and its function as a public square They made it the ideal location for this important milestone.
The plaque marking Kilometer Zero was installed in 1950, in front of the Post Officea historic building which adds a symbolic character to this place. This plaque is not only a tourist attraction in the capital, but also serves a practical function by measuring the distances of the main national roads that leave Madrid, whose numbers range from A-1 to A-6.
Nomenclature
The nomenclature of Spanish roads has undergone significant changes over time. Originally, roads were identified by a “N” followed by Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) separated by a hyphen. However, the 2015 road law introduced a change in Spain, replacing these Roman numerals with their Arabic equivalent (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), although the signage is gradually adapting. Currently, this nomenclature persists administratively only in preserved sections and in old undivided roads.
The radial road network dates back to the 16th century and was consolidated with the arrival of Bourbon dynasty in the 18th centurywhen the main roads were paved with public funds. On June 10, 1761, King Charles III signed a royal decree to build straight and solid roads that would facilitate trade between the provinces, starting with Andalusia, Catalonia, Galicia and Valencia. At the beginning of the 20th century, the National Circuit of Special Surfaces was established, creating the network of national roads that lasted throughout the century.
