Andorra Starts Northern Drilling on Rocafort Tunnel to Speed Sant Julià Bypass

The Government of Andorra has launched drilling at the northern portal of the Rocafort tunnel in Sant Julià de Lòria, introducing a second tunnelling machine to accelerate the bypass project.

Territory and Urban Planning Minister Raül Ferré announced that the work began this Wednesday, potentially allowing the tunnel to open ahead of the scheduled July 2027 deadline. He noted that extensive site preparation over the past two to three months lowered the terrain by about 25 metres to enable access for the new perforator.

Ferré explained to reporters that once the machine advances roughly 10 metres, teams from both portals will coordinate explosives to excavate towards the centre. This dual approach mirrors operations at the southern end, where the first tunneller started in March.

The infrastructure will span around 400 metres total, including the 233-metre tunnel and 180 metres of connecting road sections. It will feature three lanes—two southbound and one northbound—with dedicated access at each end. The €26 million initiative aims to ease chronic queues through the parish centre.

Earlier groundwork on the Lauredià road, including €1.9 million in hillside stabilisation, began in mid-October 2024. Southern portal progress continues steadily, and the Government is maximising pace while limiting environmental impact and disruptions. Construction will skip the usual August pause despite debris challenges. The parish has campaigned for years to divert traffic from its core.