Major Traffic Disruption on Madeira's Via Rápida Due to Accident
Madeira GuideAn accident involving a car losing its wheel caused massive traffic congestion on Madeira's Via Rápida, affecting both directions and resulting in an 8 km backup.
Madeira's primary highway, the Via Rápida, experienced significant traffic delays on January 12, 2026, due to a severe accident. The incident occurred around 7:39 AM when a vehicle lost control and collided with the protective rails near km 9.6, just before the Câmara de Lobos exit. This accident resulted in the vehicle losing one of its wheels, contributing to the chaos on the roads.
The accident led to a traffic jam stretching 8 km in the direction opposite to the accident site, as reported by Via Litoral. In the direction towards Machico from Ribeira Brava, a dual-lane congestion of 4 km was noted. The authorities have been actively working to alleviate the situation by clearing the debris and spreading sand on the road to ensure safety.
Local residents and tourists faced significant delays as the traffic slowly eased. The cleanup operations are ongoing, with the authorities urging caution and patience from all road users. This incident highlights the vulnerability of Madeira's road infrastructure to disruptions and the importance of timely and effective traffic management.
The Via Rápida is a crucial transportation artery for both locals and tourists on Madeira, connecting major towns and facilitating the movement of goods and people across the island. Any disruption on this route can lead to widespread delays and inconvenience.
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Madeira Guide
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