Brussels, Belgium – December 02, 2025 – The European Wellbeing Initiative (Ewellin), a pioneering not-for-profit movement dedicated to enhancing the health, safety, and happiness of Europe’s transport and logistics workforce, is thrilled to announce that Bidegi, the Gipuzkoa Provincial Road Agency, has been awarded the distinction of Honorable Wellbeing Ambassador. This prestigious recognition celebrates Bidegi’s unwavering commitment to fostering a “culture of care” in the transport sector, particularly through its innovative infrastructure projects that prioritize professional drivers’ wellbeing, road safety, and sustainable development. Under the visionary leadership of Director General Alfredo Etxeberria Murua, Bidegi has set a benchmark for how public agencies can drive positive change for workers, communities, and the environment. As Ewellin continues to champion initiatives like the Wellbeing Pledge and “Drive Safe, Park Safe, Work Safe, Live Well” campaign, Bidegi’s contributions exemplify the transformative potential of integrating wellbeing into mobility solutions.
Ewellin’s Founder and Director, Druselia Betea, stated: “Bidegi’s dedication to creating safe, supportive environments for drivers aligns perfectly with our mission. By integrating wellbeing into road management, they are not only reducing accidents but also improving the lives of those who keep Europe’s supply chains moving. This ambassadorship highlights their role as a leader in sustainable transport.”
Alfredo Etxeberria Murua: A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Transport Infrastructure
At the helm of Bidegi stands Alfredo Etxeberria Murua, whose strategic vision and dedication have propelled the agency to new heights in innovation and social responsibility. As Director General of Bidegi, S.A., Mr. Etxeberria brings a wealth of experience in infrastructure management, having guided the organization through decades of evolution in the Basque Country’s road network. His leadership is characterized by a profound emphasis on human-centered design, where the wellbeing of transport workers is not an afterthought but a core pillar of operations. Under his direction, Bidegi has implemented groundbreaking projects that address the physical and mental challenges faced by professional drivers, while advancing environmental sustainability and economic growth. A coordinator and innovator at heart, Mr. Etxeberria’s approach blends technical expertise with a commitment to ethical governance, earning him recognition as a key figure in Europe’s push toward safer, greener mobility. Reflecting on the critical link between worker health and overall road safety, Alfredo Etxeberria Murua, Director General of Bidegi, S.A., emphasized: “The wellbeing of transport workers leads to road safety; we must definitely invest in it.”
Bidegi: A Legacy of Innovation in Gipuzkoa’s Road Network
Established by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa in 2002, Bidegi manages over 159 kilometers of high-capacity motorways, including the AP-8, AP-1, and A-636, connecting the Basque Country to broader European routes. From its origins in the 1970s with the construction of the AP-8 Bilbao-Behobia section to recent advancements like the 2024 complete renovation of AP-8 junctions and electric vehicle charging networks, Bidegi has evolved into a model of efficient, user-centered infrastructure. Managing 45 junctions, 13.3 kilometers of viaducts, and 35.5 kilometers of tunnels, the agency oversees a network that saw 1,300 million light vehicle kilometers and 206 million heavy vehicle kilometers traveled in 2023 alone.
This extensive system facilitates seamless transport of goods and people, boosting economic ties between Spain, France, and beyond. Bidegi’s customer service center in Aritzeta, equipped with modern amenities and 24/7 support, ensures drivers receive prompt assistance, further enhancing their experience on the road.
Elevating Professional Drivers’ Wellbeing Through Safe and Secure Facilities
At the core of Bidegi’s deserving this distinction is its profound impact on professional drivers’ wellbeing. In partnership with mowiz TRUCK, Bidegi has developed gold-certified safe and secure parking areas in Oiartzun and Astigarraga, offering over 500 truck spaces with amenities like rest facilities, security surveillance, and easy access to services. These “home away from home” spots address the isolation and fatigue faced by long-haul drivers, providing essential rest to combat physical and mental strain – key factors in Ewellin’s framework for reducing accident rates and improving job satisfaction.
By prioritizing driver rest, Bidegi contributes to lower stress levels and better health outcomes, aligning with Ewellin’s goals of holistic care. These initiatives not only enhance individual wellbeing but also foster a sense of community among transport workers, reducing turnover and promoting long-term career sustainability in the sector.
Highlighting the need for ongoing development in the workforce, Alfredo Etxeberria Murua, Director General of Bidegi, S.A., insightfully added: “And wellbeing should be reinforced with knowledge and training. We need reliable, dedicated, and skilled transport workers. Reliability, dedication, and expertise are key. And this needs to be cultivated. Business leaders, companies and authorities must promote it.”
Advancing Road Safety and Social Conditions
Bidegi’s state-of-the-art control center in Gipuzkoa exemplifies its commitment to road safety. Monitoring traffic 24/7 with AI-driven systems, the agency has achieved a 35% reduction in accidents over the past six years (2018-2023), addressing main causes like human factors (53%), distractions (35%), and negligence (26%). Automated tunnels, energy-efficient lighting in 3,700 points, and free flow toll systems like Abiatu (used by 80% of drivers) minimize disruptions and hazards, creating safer journeys for all.
These efforts extend to social conditions, improving community life by reducing congestion and enhancing mobility. Safer roads mean fewer disruptions to daily life in Gipuzkoa, while winter road centers and rapid response teams ensure reliability during adverse weather, benefiting residents and workers alike.
Driving Area Development and Sustainability for Health
Bidegi’s infrastructure investments have spurred regional development, connecting Gipuzkoa to European markets and facilitating the transport of goods through strategic axes like the AP-8 and AP-1. This has generated economic growth, creating jobs in maintenance, operations, and related sectors, while improving access to education, healthcare, and commerce for local communities.
Sustainability is woven into Bidegi’s operations, with objectives focused on high-capacity roads that reduce travel times, lower emissions, and promote eco-friendly practices. Renovations emphasizing energy efficiency and electric vehicle infrastructure safeguard the health of workers and residents by minimizing environmental impacts like air pollution. As part of broader EU goals, these measures support a healthier ecosystem, aligning with Ewellin’s emphasis on sustainable transport for long-term wellbeing.
The Broader Social and Economic Impact
Bidegi’s work yields significant social and economic dividends. Socially, by enhancing safety and wellbeing, it reduces healthcare costs from accidents and improves quality of life for drivers and families. Economically, the agency’s management of vital corridors supports logistics efficiency, contributing to Gipuzkoa’s GDP through increased trade and tourism. With over 1.5 billion vehicle kilometers managed annually, Bidegi’s innovations drive prosperity while fostering inclusive growth.
This Honorable Wellbeing Ambassador distinction underscores Bidegi’s holistic approach, proving that infrastructure can be a force for good. Ewellin looks forward to collaborating further, inspiring other organizations to prioritize wellbeing in transport. For more on Ewellin’s initiatives, visit www.ewellin.eu.
