What is the MP-203?
Spain, europe
12.5 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Have you ever heard of
? These are large projects that were planned for a specific purpose, cost a lot of money, but for some reason never saw use. In Madrid, one of these abandoned works exists: the
, a ghost highway where
The MP-203, now renamed
, was designed as a new highway connecting
. Construction began in
with the ambitious goal of easing congestion on the A-2, one of Madrid’s busiest access roads. The project stretched for
12.5 kilometers of perfectly paved asphalt
, yet to this day it remains almost entirely unused. Only cyclists and locals jogging occasionally traverse its empty lanes.
Why is the MP-203 abandoned?
but never fulfilled its intended function. Construction stopped abruptly in
, only two years after starting. According to the
Ecologist Association of Jarama
, the MP-203 is an example of “
mismanagement of territory by the Community of Madrid
,” and the road even lacked proper construction licenses.
What has the MP-203 been used for?
Despite being officially abandoned, the MP-203 has found other purposes. It has served as a
, and even been a route for
. For the residents of Alcalá de Henares, the road became a symbol of
waste and inefficiency
, a highway that was fully built but never used by vehicles.
Is the MP-203 going to open?
The regional government is now considering
resurrecting the highway
, connecting the A-2 with the R-3 and the M-50 to improve traffic flow. After nearly
20 years of abandonment
, the ghost highway may finally see official traffic. Until then, it remains a unique curiosity and a reminder of Madrid’s
forgotten infrastructure projects
A wild steep road to Alto de Hazallanas in Andalusia
Road trip guide: Conquering Collado El Lobo in Sierra Nevada
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.5 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col d'Allos?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Col d'Allos, a seriously high mountain pass nestled way up in the French Alps. We're talking 2,250 meters (that's 7,382 feet!) above sea level, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, chilling west of the Parc National du Mercantour. This pass has some history! Built back in 1891, supposedly to defend against potential Italian and German attacks, so it's got a story to tell. Now, getting there...the D908 is completely paved, but let's be real, it's not exactly smooth sailing. Think bumpy surfaces, hairpin turns galore, and a road that feels a little narrow at times. Definitely not for the faint of heart, especially with those dramatic drop-offs! Caravan and truck drivers, consider yourselves warned. It's STEEP too – hitting a maximum gradient of 9% in places. It's a Tour de France favorite, so you know it's intense. The whole pass stretches for about 39.1 km (24.29 miles), connecting Colmars-les-Alpes and Barcelonnette in a south-north direction. But trust me, it's worth the trek! At the summit, you'll find a parking area and a mountain refuge (Refuge du Col d'Allos). Keep your eyes peeled along the way for marmots, sheep, and cows just living their best lives in the fields. Heads up: the road is usually closed from October to July due to snow. And if you're planning a visit in July or August, Friday mornings are reserved for cyclists. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a minor gravel road south of the pass that climbs up to a mountain peak at 2,350m (7,709ft). Get ready for some incredible views!
hardDiscover Switzerland’s 7 Most Spectacular Mountain Passes for Drivers
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Switzerland: A Driver's Paradise in the Heart of Europe Switzerland is calling, and if you're someone who lives for the open road, this country should be at the top of your bucket list. Picture this: snowcapped peaks, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes all around you as you navigate some of Europe's most thrilling mountain passes. It's basically a dream road trip come to life. Driving through Switzerland's famous passes is genuinely unforgettable. The scenery alone—world-class mountains, dramatic valleys, and pristine alpine lakes—will have you pulling over constantly just to snap photos. You'll wind past iconic castles, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter vistas that honestly can't be captured properly on camera. Plus, there's serious historical significance woven throughout these routes. **A few things to keep in mind:** Take it easy on those curves (seriously, no need to pretend you're a race car driver), and remember that many passes close when winter rolls around. Also, if you're bringing a trailer or mobile home, some of these roads are too narrow or steep for that setup. And here's a friendly heads-up about mountain road etiquette—vehicles heading downhill need to pull over and let uphill traffic through. If you're craving an adrenaline rush, Swiss Alpine driving delivers. We're talking hair-raising hairpin turns, steep climbs, and challenges that'll get your heart pumping. But it's not all white-knuckle driving—most passes have restaurants, hotels, charming churches, and hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and soak in the atmosphere.
hardThe paved road to the summit of Halvfjerdingsvatnet
🇳🇴 Norway
# Halvfjerdingsvatnet: Norway's Hidden Mountain Gem Perched at a thrilling 975 meters (3,198 feet) above sea level in Hordaland county, Halvfjerdingsvatnet is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The winding route up here is FV-520, part of the scenic Ryfylke National Tourist Route – and trust me, it lives up to the hype. The road itself is paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This is a proper mountain pass with a narrower road and seriously steep pitches. We're talking grades that hit 12.5% in some sections – the kind of climb that'll have you gripping the wheel and appreciating your vehicle's brakes. But that's part of what makes it such an adventure! If you're into driving challenging Alpine roads and soaking in Norwegian mountain scenery, Halvfjerdingsvatnet absolutely belongs on your bucket list. Just come prepared, take your time, and enjoy the reward of conquering one of Norway's more interesting passes.
hardRing of Kerry is a scenic road through majestic landscapes
🌍 Ireland
Get ready for an epic Irish adventure on the Ring of Kerry! This legendary route, a complete loop formed by the N70, N71, and N72 hugging either side of Killarney, carves its way across the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. Clocking in at 179 kilometers (111 miles), you’ll be plunged into 10,000 years of history, from ancient forests to the wild Atlantic coast. Starting and ending in the bustling tourist hub of Killarney, this coastal road (known as *Mórchuaird Chiarraí* in Gaelic) meanders through a landscape of mountains and shimmering lakes. Be warned: the road can be narrow and winding, and it gets busy during peak season. Keep in mind tour buses run counter-clockwise. Some say go the opposite direction in your car, others say go counter-clockwise – it's your call based on your vehicle and preference. Located in the southwest of Ireland, prepare to be blown away by the scenery. Think rugged coastlines hammered by Atlantic storms, towering mountains, emerald green fields, ancient ruins, and those iconic dark, glacial lakes, all dotted with charming towns. It’s a journey through dramatic landscapes, where you might spot wild deer and cascading waterfalls plunging into salmon-filled streams. While you *could* technically drive the whole loop in about 3.5 hours without stopping, trust me, you'll want to dedicate a full day to soak it all in! It is one of Ireland's most popular attractions outside of Dublin and Knock for a reason. You'll be cruising past untouched beaches, medieval remnants, mountains, and lakes, with panoramic vistas of the island-strewn Atlantic around every bend.