Second Phase of RN-22 Roadworks Begins Near Pas de la Casa

The second phase of major roadworks on the RN-22, the highway linking France to Pas de la Casa, began today between the Croisade junction (RN-22/RN-320) and the Envalira roundabout at the Pas de la Casa entrance. The project, overseen by France's Direcció Interdepartamental de Carreteres del Sud-oest (Dirso), aims to stabilise the embankment and upgrade drainage systems in this stretch. These efforts form part of a broader initiative expected to last five or six years.

The phase runs until 10 July. During weekdays, including nights, traffic will operate under alternating one-way control using adaptive "smart" traffic lights that adjust to real-time flow, particularly to ease congestion at the border. Manual oversight may supplement the system if needed. Brief road closures could occur for machinery movements or material deliveries. Weekends, from Friday evening to Monday morning, and public holidays will see two-way traffic restored, though with lanes narrowed to about 3.20 metres and a 30 km/h speed limit across the entire work zone, including nights and weekends.

From 6 to 10 July, nights (21:00 to 06:00), the section between Croisade and the Envalira tunnel access roundabout will close completely for resurfacing. Dirso has stressed the need for drivers to obey signs, exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to protect both themselves and site workers. Updates will appear via on-road signage.

This follows the first phase, conducted from August to November last year, which improved stormwater collection with wider, less intrusive drainage channels. A November closure then supported winter work on an avalanche gallery on the RN-320 near Hospitalet, affecting the stretch from the Port de Pimorent tunnel to the southern RN-320 junction.

The works stem from a 20 April 2022 agreement between Andorra and France to enhance climate resilience on the RN-20, RN-116, RN-320 and RN-22, addressing increased freeze-thaw cycles that trigger landslides and rockfalls. Total costs cap at €12 million, with Andorra funding 40% (€4.8 million). Improvements remain French-owned property.

Local concerns persist in Pas de la Casa, a high-traffic area especially in summer and winter, following recent client losses from a landslide at Mérens. Authorities hope measures will prevent repeats of first-phase disruptions. Separate preparatory works this May on the H2 avalanche gallery near Puymorens will cause minor alternations but divert main traffic to the RN-22 from 2 June to late October, without impacting Puymorens tunnel access.