Castellciutat Residents Threaten Weekly N-260 Blockades Over Delayed Pedestrian Crossing

Residents of Castellciutat have warned of further road blockades on the N-260 if Sunday's protest fails to prompt action on a long-delayed pedestrian crossing. The neighbourhood group plans to disrupt traffic at kilometre 229 from 6:45pm for one hour, with official permission, and will repeat the action every weekend until construction machinery appears on site.

The demand for a traffic-light crossing dates back to 2010, when initial discussions began. La Seu d'Urgell town council approved the final project and tender in 2024, with a budget of €69,892.83 plus VAT. Despite this, works remain stalled 16 years on, apparently due to disagreements involving the road's owner—the Spanish state—the council and affected landowners. Locals have urged the council to take the lead in resolving the impasse.

Montse Colell, a residents' representative, said the group would continue protests "every weekend necessary until we see the machines working" and would accept no more delays. She highlighted the dangers of the route, which carries 16,000 vehicles daily on average, including 1,100 heavy goods vehicles. The timing aligns with post-holiday traffic increases and the new school year, aiming to raise awareness among locals and visitors from La Seu d'Urgell.

Campaigners expect strong turnout but have no confirmation of attendance by the mayor or other officials. They expressed waning trust in past assurances, noting the crossing is essential for safe pedestrian links to school, work, buses and daily errands between Castellciutat and La Seu d'Urgell.

In related moves, the council recently approved €181,131 to rehabilitate 565 square metres of Carrer La Bola, a vital traffic artery from Carrer Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer to Sant Feliu church. The four-month project will resurface the street in frost-resistant concrete with varied tones, add separate drainage and wastewater upgrades, bury lighting and install metal bins. It seeks to slow vehicles and favour pedestrians, including the elderly and those with mobility issues, through clear zoning without raised kerbs.