€13.3 Million Safety Upgrade for Key Ebro Region Road
The Catalan government's Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition has awarded a €13.3 million contract to upgrade an 8km stretch of the C-12 between Amposta and Tortosa. The work will convert the existing two-lane road into a 2+1 configuration, meaning two lanes in one direction and one in the other, with the central lane alternating to allow safe overtaking. This change is designed to reduce the risk of head-on collisions, which have been a persistent safety concern on this section of the C-12. The upgrade is part of the wider Government of Catalonia's 2023–2030 road safety programme aimed at cutting fatal and serious accidents on regional roads.
Project Details and Phased Construction
The upgraded section will run from the junction with the TV-3443 at Amposta to the access point for Vinallop near Tortosa. According to the tender documents, construction is expected to begin in autumn 2027 and last 26 months. The project includes not only the addition of a third lane in alternating directions but also improvements to junctions and access points. A new roundabout will be built at the TV-3443 intersection, and another junction will be upgraded. A parallel access road network will be created alongside the main C-12 corridor, improving local connectivity and enabling safer U-turns at the Carrova junction.
The 2+1 system has proven effective in reducing fatal and serious accidents on similar roads, drawing on successful models from countries like Sweden.
The €13.3 million contract covers civil works, including road base reinforcement and surface improvements to ensure durability and better performance in adverse weather. Signage, road markings and safety barriers will be installed in a separate phase.
Part of Larger 86km Safety Plan
This 8km stretch is the first phase of a larger plan to convert 86km of the C-12 into a 2+1 road between Amposta and Jesús (Tortosa), extending eventually to Flix and Albatàrrec. The total investment for the full corridor is projected at €110 million. Traffic volumes on the C-12 in the Terres de l'Ebre region range from 2,900 to 13,000 vehicles per day, making safety improvements critical for both local residents and through traffic. The Department of Territory has stated that the phased rollout will aim to minimise disruption, though drivers should expect temporary signage and occasional detours during construction. Drivers are advised to plan for potential delays and monitor official updates via the Mobilicat platform for real-time traffic information during the works.
Reported by modernetdigital.cat, Redacció Imagina Ràdio, diarimes.com, mobilicat.cat, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, elmercantil.com, E.B, aguaita.cat, europapress.es, segre.com, Modernet Digital.
