Andorra la Vella Launches €5.7M Sidewalk Renewal Plan for 2024-2027

Andorra la Vella council has launched a €5.7 million pavement renewal plan for 2024-2027, targeting optimal conditions for 64% of the parish's sidewalks by the end of the mandate.

Councillor for Public Services, Environment and Natural Heritage Jordi Cabanes presented the comprehensive strategy at a press conference on Thursday, calling it a core objective from the start of the term. Developed through detailed street-by-street assessments of more than 80 km of sidewalks spanning nearly 200,000 square metres, the plan addresses maintenance challenges from over 15 prior pavement varieties by standardising to three types: granite for principal axes and urban zones, bituminous asphalt with granite edging for practical sections, and preservation of distinctive surfaces on Avenida Meritxell, Prat de la Creu, and the old town core.

Cabanes highlighted bituminous asphalt's durability in Andorra's alpine winters, where snow, ice, low temperatures, and salt use degrade other materials while reducing slip risks. He pointed to successful applications near the Lycée and in other parishes. So far, more than 50% of targeted areas are complete, including over 2.5 km on Carrer dels Barrers, plus targeted repairs on streets like Salou, Callaueta, and Mossèn Enric Marfany. Interventions also incorporate accessibility studies and tree pit designs.

Investments to date include €992,000 in 2024 and €1.1 million in 2025. This year features a record near-€2.4 million for Passeig del Riu, Carrer del Cedre, Avinguda d'Enclar, Baixada del Molí, and Prada Motxilla—covering 2.5 km across six lots for €700,000, immediate works worth €50,000, and surgical fixes for €80,000. Next year allocates €1.2 million to Carrer de les Canals, Carrer Bonavista, and Carrer de les Escoles, spanning 4.2 km in total.

The second phase of Prat de la Creu renewals remains uncertain for 2027 due to its scale and the budgeted amount, with Cabanes suggesting major work may spill into the next term alongside minor interventions.

The plan serves as a "living document" to guide priorities beyond the mandate, Cabanes said, underscoring the council's commitment: a clear sign of the priority given, with no skimping on resources, effort, or funding to enhance the parish. Additional street details are forthcoming.