M-50 (Spain)

The M-50, also known as the Autopista de Circunvalación M-50, is a ring road surrounding the city of Madrid, Spain. It is a crucial component of Madrid's transportation infrastructure, acting as the outermost of the city's orbital motorways. The road is designed to facilitate traffic flow around Madrid, connecting the city's radial motorways and allowing drivers to bypass the city center.

Construction of the M-50 began in the late 1980s and was completed in stages, with the entire loop open to traffic in the 2000s. It is a high-capacity motorway, typically with three or more lanes in each direction. The M-50 intersects with all major radial motorways leading into and out of Madrid, including the A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5, A-6, and others.

The M-50 plays a significant role in reducing traffic congestion within Madrid and improving accessibility to surrounding areas. It allows for more efficient movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic activity of the region. Due to its length and complexity, various sections of the M-50 can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. Real-time traffic monitoring systems are often used to manage flow and inform drivers of potential delays.