€6.4 Million for the Peguera–Port d'Andratx Road: Between Comfort and Nighttime Peace

Renovation with a sense of proportion? The basic question

At last the renovation of the county road between Peguera and Port d'Andratx is on the schedule: the island council has allocated around €6.4 million, and the road surface between kilometer 21 and 32 is to be renewed, as reported in Nighttime Renewal of the Ma-1: Paguera–Andratx — Necessary Intervention or Too High a Price for Residents?. The central question remains, however: How can improved traffic safety and the residents' night-time peace be reasonably reconciled?

Why the road is so important

The stretch is essential for everyday life: school buses, commuters, delivery drivers and tourist coaches use it daily. At sunrise you often hear the rumble of old delivery vans, later cyclists complain about cracks in the asphalt — and in August long queues quickly form. A new wearing course not only improves comfort; it reduces accident risks, lessens wear on vehicles and provides a smoother traffic flow during the high season.

The night work — pragmatic or disruptive?

To avoid paralyzing daytime traffic, the work is planned to take place mainly at night between 23:00 and 05:00. On paper that sounds sensible: fewer daytime jams, faster construction progress. In reality, night work also means noise, beams of light and vibrating window frames for residents in Andratx and Peguera; this trade-off is also discussed in Renovación nocturna de la MA-1: Paguera–Andratx — ¿intervención necesaria o precio demasiado alto para los residentes?. Those particularly affected include people who get up early — fishermen, bakers, tradespeople — and the night owls who still enjoy a drink on the promenade.

What is often missing from the public debate

The official information leaflet talks a lot about “noise and dust protection.” That sounds good, but concrete rules are often missing: What noise levels are considered the upper limit? Will noise barriers be erected only temporarily at the most sensitive spots? Who measures and sanctions violations? And is there a plan to pause works during high winds or on public holidays with many local events (market days in Andratx, summer festivals)?

Another point: how will heavy vehicles be handled when temporary truck bans are in effect? Even small detours via narrow village streets can become a burden for residents if delivery traffic diverts there.

Budget and quality — is the money enough?

€6.4 million may seem substantial at first glance, according to 6,4 millones de euros para la carretera entre Peguera y Port d'Andratx: trabajos nocturnos planificados. But the costs for high-quality asphalt mixes, a durable subbase, drainage and secure guardrails add up. A tighter budget could lead to premature wear after a few years. Therefore it is important that the contract not only specifies completion by May 2026, but also includes warranty periods, quality controls and spot checks in the following years.

Concrete proposals to reduce complaints

A few pragmatic measures would help many:

- Transparent night schedules: Weekly-communicated work focuses and times so residents can plan their rest.

- Noise sensors and public monitoring: Mobile measurement stations along the most sensitive sections with data available online.

- Quiet equipment and work methods: Use of low-noise milling machines, restricting particularly loud tasks to certain hours and enhanced maintenance of machines so they do not hum unnecessarily.

- Considerate detours: Clear signage, limits on load for village thoroughfares and coordination with local shops and bus services.

- Consideration of local events: Coordination with Mayor Estefanía Gonzalvo so that weekly markets and festival days are respected and the construction work takes them into account.

What residents, road users and politicians should do now

Those who commute daily should check the night schedules and know alternative routes. Parents and schools need to adapt school bus times to possible road closures at the construction site. Politicians, in turn, should insist on transparent controls: public noise data and a clear contact person at the island council help to detect problems early. Contract conditions must also include warranties and measurable quality targets.

By summer 2026 we could all benefit from smoother asphalt — if planning, budget and local consideration come together. Until then, some will sit on the balcony and count the rhythm of the machines while the scent of hot tar briefly drifts over the coves in the mountain wind. It is a classic Mallorcan balancing act: benefit for many versus disturbance for a few. It would be good if project management proceeds here with a sense of proportion and clear rules.