Roundabout at Son Castelló: Reconstruction from 2026 — Relief or Construction Chaos?

Roundabout at Son Castelló: Reconstruction from 2026 — Relief or Construction Chaos?

The central question hangs over Son Castelló in the winter air like the smell of diesel in the morning: Is the additional capacity for cars what commuters, traders and residents really need — and is the expected disruption worth a long-term gain? Construction is scheduled to start in January 2026, aiming to expand the existing roundabout from about 55 meters in diameter to roughly 85 meters. Cost: €3.7 million, part of a larger package of around €160 million for access routes to Palma.

Why here, of all places?

Anyone who drives along the access road to the TÜV station in the morning knows the picture, as local coverage of the Son Castelló roundabout describes: delivery vans stop, buses struggle past each other, commuters honk and bang on the steering wheel. Traffic counts confirm this is a bottleneck. The planned direct lanes and additional access points are intended to make merging easier, ease congestion especially during rush hour and thus reduce travel times. The result: faster deliveries for the industrial zone, fewer idling engines, potentially lower emissions — provided the construction site does not first turn the location into a long-term traffic jam.

What public debate often overlooks

The discussion usually focuses on capacity and construction costs. Three points that have immediate local impact are less noticed: first, the burden from construction traffic and fine dust on windless days when dust hangs in the side streets. Second, effects on the weekly market, waste collection and delivery windows for small businesses — a kiosk owner like María worries not only about five minutes of delay but whether suppliers will arrive on time. Third, the question of sustainability: the upgrade clearly targets motor traffic. Where are safe cycle lanes or better pedestrian crossings at this junction? Climate and transport planners on Mallorca increasingly demand that expansion projects be considered from the perspective of the transport transition — not only as enlargements for more cars, as debates around the University Access Roundabout show.

How the construction phase should proceed — concrete proposals

If the administration plans transparently, many conflicts can be mitigated. Local suggestions: phased closures with clear night and peak-time rules, coordinated detours for trucks, fixed corridors for emergency vehicles and a real-time information page for residents and businesses. Mobile noise barriers, regular wet cleaning of side streets and a monitoring plan for dust and emissions should be included, following government guidance on controlling construction dust and emissions. A temporary priority arrangement for suppliers to the industrial area would also make sense so that not everyone is forced onto the same detour at the same time during the ramp-up phase.

Voices from the neighborhood

"If the construction doesn't disrupt deliveries too much, I'm in favor," says María, who has run a small kiosk on the street for years. A truck driver from the industrial zone smiles wryly: "It will certainly be bumpy during construction. Hopefully they work at night or outside peak hours." Both make an important point: acceptance grows when clients and contractors communicate early and show consideration.

Risks and how to address them

It is still unclear how long the works will actually take. Locally, about one year is mentioned. This period must be accompanied by clear milestones and controls. Otherwise, delayed supply chains for businesses, increased noise at residential facades and frustrated commuters are likely. An independent construction-site oversight group with resident representatives could help resolve complaints more quickly and create transparency.

Conclusion: An opportunity with conditions

The expansion can make daily access to Palma easier: less congestion, faster servicing of the industrial zone and potentially lower emissions in normal operation. But all of this depends on construction management: anyone who works at night, limits noise, coordinates delivery windows and does not completely ignore cycle and pedestrian traffic can turn a necessary modernization into a local win-win. Otherwise, Son Castelló risks becoming synonymous with construction noise and detours for months.

Tip: Commuters who regularly use the roundabout — the town hall and the Consell should soon publish concrete schedules, detour plans and a contact point for complaints. Keeping an eye on developments and coordinating early with suppliers can save nerves now.