VOICED : Spanish toll roads feeling the pinch

The Radial 5 motorway, used by toll booth drivers since 2004, faces bankruptcy amid an economic crisis. Traffic has decreased significantly, impacting toll roads and companies like Radial. The company owes large sums to banks, construction firms, and displaced residents. This situation reflects a broader issue in Spain, where an infrastructure bubble, similar to the housing bubble, has led to an excess of underused motorways. As traffic levels drop to those of the 1990s, the economic crisis continues to challenge the sector.

Since when have toll booth drivers been using the Radial 5 motorway to reach Madrid?

• 2010

• 2000

• 2004

• 2015

What is one of the main reasons for the financial struggles of Radial 3 and Radial 5?

• Increased traffic

• Economic crisis

• New toll roads

• Government regulations

By what percentage has traffic around Madrid decreased due to the economic crisis?

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

• 40%

How much debt does Radial owe to construction companies?

• €600 million

• €400 million

• €340 million

• €200 million

What is the comparison made to describe the infrastructure development in Spain?

• Technology boom

• Agricultural expansion

• Housing bubble

• Tourism growth