Andorra Ends Pas de la Casa Aid as RN20 Road Reopens Monday

Andorra's emergency aid programme for Pas de la Casa businesses ends Monday as the RN20 fully reopens at 6am in both directions, despite ongoing scepticism from merchants facing a tough winter season.

Spokesman Minister Guillem Casal confirmed the support measures, linked directly to the road closure, will expire with the reopening. He rejected merchants' request to extend them until month's end, emphasising government positivity after shortening an expected three-month closure to just over five weeks. Fuel vouchers worth 120,000 euros reached 3,981 vehicles from Occitania by Thursday, while the free shuttle from L'Hospitalet boosted daily passengers from five to an average 200, peaking at 300 on weekends. These efforts cut border vehicle entries from a 75% drop to 45-47% on good weekends. Post-reopening, soft loans for liquidity—requiring proof of closure losses—and CASS contribution subsidies for February, based on revenue declines, will become available. Casal said the timing aids the winter season's end and Easter trade, with Andorra Turisme preparing awareness campaigns.

Merchants, however, view the reopening with caution and frustration. Òscar Ramon, president of the Pas de la Casa Merchants' Association, acknowledged potential for a post-reopening surge like during the pandemic but described this as a difficult winter where heavy snow failed to deliver expected business. Shops near ski slopes reported 50% sales drops offset by skiers, while those farther away saw days with no customers, leaving owners idle. Many expressed fear over the road's safety after shifting closure predictions, urging clear explanations to reassure hesitant visitors. They demanded a preventive action plan, direct aid, and relief from double burdens like emfiteutic cens payments alongside rent, street salting, and sidewalk heating. One shop owner noted negotiating rent reductions personally, while others felt abandoned, claiming fuel vouchers benefited larger outlets more.

Ariège Prefecture chief Hervé Brabant verified the schedule Friday in a virtual General Council Friendship Group meeting with French senators, addressing economic fallout. Safety enhancements include mountain sensors and rupture wires triggering automatic red lights, a no-stopping zone over 500 metres enforced by gendarmes, and weekend tests. Risk levels now match pre-landslide conditions with better monitoring; a risk map is in development. That afternoon, Brabant led a site visit with Territory Minister Raul Ferré, Encamp senior consul Laura Mas, French Ambassador Nicolas Eybalin, and others. Direction interdépartementale des routes director Hubert Ferry-Wilczek detailed one million euros in emergency works after a 200 cubic metre rockfall on 30-31 January between L'Hospitalet and Ax-les-Thermes. Repairs took one week; cliff anchors faced weather delays. A 500 cubic metre mass awaits three-month studies, with further reinforcements planned post-summer, possibly requiring future closures.

Ferré commended France's swift work on the vital route. Mas voiced business relief and hopes for normality. Brabant pledged ongoing updates, coordination, and rail improvements amid discussions on a separate Foix rail landslide.

In Pas de la Casa streets, a tense calm prevails. Visitor numbers have risen from early February lows but lag pre-closure levels, with skiers sticking to hotels, slopes, restaurants, and minimal shopping. Merchants report more media chats than sales, sharing resignation over prolonged slumps, fog-bound days, and fears of summer repeats without ski traffic.