Girona faced significant traffic disruption on Monday morning, with widespread congestion and delays, particularly around the Devesa and Güell areas. This chaos was largely caused by an emergency eviction at an occupied building on Ronda Ferran Puig 13-15, carried out by the Mossos d'Esquadra and Girona Municipal Police.
Mayor Lluc Salellas stated the operation was an emergency measure due to an "imminent risk in terms of safety and health". Municipal and Fire Brigade reports had warned of a very high risk to residents and neighbours, especially following a fire in one of the flats days earlier.
Eviction Triggers City-Wide Delays
The eviction, which started early on Monday, led to road closures and diversions in the immediate vicinity of Ronda Ferran Puig. This area is a key artery for traffic flowing through the north-west of Girona, connecting several residential and commercial zones. The sudden closure forced drivers onto alternative routes, which quickly became overwhelmed, creating a domino effect across the city's road network.
Traffic was particularly heavy around the Devesa park and the Güell neighbourhood, areas already prone to congestion during peak hours. The added pressure from diverted vehicles exacerbated the situation, leading to extensive queues and longer journey times for commuters and local residents alike. Officials did not specify how long the traffic disruption was expected to last, but advised drivers to avoid the affected areas if possible.
Safety Concerns Prompt Urgent Action
The decision to evict the building was not taken lightly, according to city officials. The reports from both the municipality and the Fire Brigade highlighted serious structural and safety concerns within the occupied property. The recent fire further intensified these worries, making the building unsafe for habitation and posing a danger to surrounding properties. The mayor emphasised that the priority was the safety of the individuals inside the building and the wider community.
This incident adds to ongoing discussions in Girona about urban planning and the management of occupied properties, especially those deemed unsafe. The city council is expected to review the circumstances surrounding this eviction and consider future preventative measures to address similar situations.
