On October 6, 2026, Madrid's Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida visited the construction site of Gran Vía del Sureste in the Ensanche de Vallecas neighborhood. This project represents the initial phase of a larger green corridor aimed at linking various developments in the southeast of the city.
The construction spans the section of Gran Vía del Sureste between Avenida de las Suertes and the roundabout near the A-3 highway. The plan includes transforming an unused dirt area into a large boulevard featuring recreational spaces, intergenerational activity zones, and pedestrian pathways. Key elements of the renovation include the planting of 875 trees, the addition of bike lanes, new urban furniture, energy-efficient lighting, and an ornamental fountain.
The redesigned avenue will also reserve dedicated lanes for a future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which is intended to connect six southeastern developments: Valdecarros, Ensanche de Vallecas, Berrocales, Los Ahijones, El Cañaveral, and Los Cerros. This initiative is part of the broader South Strategy, which aims to transform nine districts in southern Madrid into a hub for urban, economic, and environmental change.
Accompanying the mayor during the visit were Deputy Mayor Inma Sanz, Delegate for Works and Equipment Paloma García Romero, and local councilors Carlos González Pereira and Ángel Ramos. The project is expected to be completed by spring 2028 and aims to create a sustainable, accessible urban environment.
The intervention will convert a currently oversized roadway, originally designed for high-capacity traffic, into a more livable and sustainable urban space. The focus will be on public transport, pedestrian, and cycling mobility, with the addition of shaded areas and recreational spaces.
The redesign will include a central boulevard of over 21,000 square meters, featuring areas for children, fitness, and relaxation. An ornamental fountain of approximately 180 square meters will also be constructed, along with new urban furniture and drinking water fountains.
The section of the renovated Gran Vía del Sureste will feature a comprehensive layout, including sidewalks, bike lanes, parking, local traffic lanes, landscaped medians, and dedicated BRT lanes.
This project is expected to significantly enhance the environmental quality of the area through the introduction of new trees, diverse vegetation, sustainable urban drainage systems, and high-efficiency LED lighting.
The South Strategy encompasses various initiatives aimed at transforming districts such as Latina, Carabanchel, Usera, Villaverde, Puente de Vallecas, Villa de Vallecas, Moratalaz, Vicálvaro, and San Blas-Canillejas into a driving force for urban, economic, and environmental transformation across the city.
