Andorra la Vella opens three-lane Carrer de la Unió with no left turns for cars
New layout prohibits private vehicle left turns downhill toward Na Maria Pla, reserving them for buses only. It eases congestion at Km0 and Dama de Gel roundabouts while adding safety signage and a 30 km/h limit.
Key Points
- Two lanes from Km0 to Na Maria Pla intersection, then one lane to Dama de Gel.
- Uphill: two lanes from Dama de Gel, right to Na Maria Pla, left to Km0.
- 30 km/h limit, restaurant terraces removed for extra lane; bus-only left turns.
- Traffic agents guide drivers initially; bollards to enforce rules later.
The three-lane configuration on Carrer de la Unió took effect Friday morning following overnight asphalt and painting work completed between Thursday and Friday to limit traffic disruptions.
The changes aim to streamline traffic flow along this key route connecting the Km0 roundabout to the Dama de Gel roundabout, one of Andorra's busiest arteries. Left turns are now prohibited for private vehicles in the downhill direction, particularly toward Carrer Na Maria Pla from the Km0 side, with only buses permitted to make the maneuver. The street now features two lanes from the Km0 roundabout up to the Na Maria Pla intersection, narrowing to one lane thereafter until the Dama de Gel. In the opposite direction, from Dama de Gel, two lanes run past the Meritxell and Carlemany intersections, where the right lane diverts toward Na Maria Pla and the left continues straight to Km0.
A 30 km/h speed limit applies throughout the affected stretch, accompanied by new signage to enhance safety. Restaurant terraces and prior loading zones have been removed to accommodate the extra lane, though a small dedicated loading and unloading area for delivery vehicles is being set up just beyond the Fener intersection, next to the existing bus stop. Signage for the bus stop and loading zone, along with a pedestrian crossing signal at Na Maria Pla, remains pending installation in coming hours.
State Secretary for Energy Transition, Transport and Mobility David Forné, accompanied by Mobility Agency director Daniel Boneta, visited the site mid-morning to observe operations. Forné described the setup as a way to organise traffic, boost fluidity and improve safety. He emphasised relief for congested spots like the Km0 and Dama de Gel roundabouts, stating it would minimise queues and enhance quality of life for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Forné praised the coordination between the government and the communes of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, as well as night shifts by involved firms. Traffic agents are on hand for an initial adaptation period, providing guidance rather than issuing fines, with bollards planned to enforce bus-only turns later.
Some signage was still being finalised Friday, and drivers showed initial confusion at prohibited turns. The measure builds on recent turbo-roundabouts to address central valley bottlenecks.
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