Itzulia Stage 4: Major Traffic Closures Announced for Bizkaia Region
Travelers and residents in the Bizkaia region of Spain face significant disruptions today, Thursday, April 9, 2026, as the fourth stage of the Itzulia (Vuelta al País Vasco) takes over the roads. With the race starting and ending in Galdakao, local authorities have implemented a series of strict traffic closures to ensure the safety of the peloton and spectators.
The primary traffic closures for the Itzulia will begin at 12:30 PM local time (UTC+2), well before the race officially kicks off at approximately 1:15 PM. These restrictions will impact several key arteries, including the BI-30, BI-20, and N-634, creating a ripple effect across the corridor connecting Bilbao with the surrounding municipalities.
Critical Road Closures and Timing
The most severe impacts are concentrated on the highways serving the Txorierri corridor and the route toward the coast. For those navigating the area, the following schedule is critical:
The BI-30 (Corredor del Txorierri)
The BI-30 will see staggered closures depending on the exit:
- Exit 27: This exit, serving Larrabetzu and the Zamudio Technological Park, will be closed until 5:30 PM.
- Exit 25: The link to the BI-737, which provides essential access to Erandio, Goierri, and Asua, will be shut down from 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM.
The BI-20 and N-634
Connecting Bilbao to the Txorierri corridor, the BI-20 will experience closures at Exit 10 in both directions between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Meanwhile, the N-634 will face a prolonged shutdown between kilometers 98 and 108, with both directions closed from 12:30 PM until 6:00 PM.
For those traveling toward the coast, the BI-631 will also be affected, with disruptions scheduled between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
Race Route and Local Impact
Stage 4 is designed to push the riders through a challenging landscape, passing through several key towns before returning to Galdakao. The race will transit through Muxika, Gernika, and Bermeo via the BI-635, where traffic restrictions will be in place between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
The peloton is expected to reach San Pelayo around 2:30 PM, though road closures in that area will begin earlier. Following San Pelayo, the riders will move quickly through Jata and Unbe before tackling the ascent of El Vivero.
Note for commuters: Because these closures involve both major highways and narrow local roads, detour routes are expected to be heavily congested. Local authorities recommend avoiding the Galdakao-Bermeo axis entirely during the afternoon hours if possible.
Summary of Traffic Disruptions
| Road/Location | Closure Window | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|
| N-634 (km 98-108) | 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Both directions |
| BI-30 (Exit 27) | Until 5:30 PM | Larrabetzu, Zamudio Tech Park |
| BI-30 (Exit 25) | 3:15 PM – 6:00 PM | Erandio, Goierri, Asua |
| BI-20 (Exit 10) | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Bilbao / Txorierri Connection |
| BI-635 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Muxika, Gernika, Bermeo |
| BI-631 | 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM | General disruptions |
As the race concludes in Galdakao, the final reopening of roads will depend on the arrival of the lead riders and the subsequent clearance of the course by security personnel. Most major arteries are expected to be fully operational by 6:00 PM.
Fans and residents are encouraged to monitor local traffic updates and official race communications for real-time changes to these schedules.
The next major checkpoint for the event will be the official stage results and the updated general classification following the finish in Galdakao.
Do you have tips for navigating the Bizkaia region during major sporting events? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
