The Balearic Government has announced the closure of the Ma-10 road between Andratx and Pollença during the solar eclipse on August 12, from 3 PM to 9 PM, to avoid tourist congestion. Additionally, more than 20 points in Mallorca will be restricted, such as Sant Elm, Valldemossa, and Es Trenc.
The Balearic Government has put forward a comprehensive restriction plan for August 12, the day of the solar eclipse expected to attract large crowds in Mallorca. The key measure: the total closure of the Ma-10 road, the main route through the Serra de Tramuntana, from Andratx to Pollença, for six hours, from three in the afternoon to nine at night. The decision, announced this Monday, responds to the forecast of a "maximum tourist pressure" on one of the busiest days of the summer.
The closure affects 51.5 kilometres that traverse the Serra, a stretch that includes the municipalities of Andratx, Estellencs, Banyalbufar, Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, Fornalutx, Escorca, and Pollença. The Government has warned that the closure time could be brought forward if the influx of people is massive from the morning of the 11th, when monitoring of access points will begin.
More than 20 restricted points across the island
The Serra will not be the only area affected. The Prohens government has detailed a list of more than twenty points in Mallorca where access restrictions or temporary closures will be implemented. These include Sant Elm, Cap Blanc, Randa, Puig de Sant Salvador, Betlem, Ermita de Bonany, far de ses Salines, and access to Es Trenc and ses Covetes. Access to Maioris, Caimari, and other areas of the Tramuntana will also be controlled.
The decision has not satisfied the spokesperson for Més per Mallorca, Lluis Apesteguia, who had requested to close access 24 hours in advance to prevent road congestion and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. "It is not enough," he stated, although the Government defends that the plan is "flexible" and will adapt to demand.
The eclipse at 20:32 in the north and centre
The peak moment of the eclipse will occur at 20:32 in the north and centre of Mallorca, and one minute later in the south. The Government has recommended that citizens, to avoid crowds, use the nine Official Observation Zones set up on the island, which will have informational staff and security measures. These zones are distributed across various points, away from the Serra, to alleviate congestion in the Tramuntana.
For residents of the villages in the Serra, the closure of the Ma-10 poses a disruption. The Government has assured that access will be allowed for residents with identification, but only until 3:00 PM. After that time, they will only be able to leave, not enter. "It is a day to plan ahead," a spokesperson recommended, urging for "patience and cooperation" from the public.
The measure is part of a security operation that includes an increase in the presence of Local Police and Guardia Civil, as well as additional emergency services. The Government has reminded that the eclipse is a unique phenomenon, but the priority is to prevent incidents and ensure that everyone can enjoy it safely.
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