Castellciutat Residents to Block N-260 Highway Again for Pedestrian Crossing

Residents of Castellciutat are set to block the N-260 highway again on October 25, demanding action on a pedestrian crossing stalled for 16 years amid safety concerns.

The neighbourhood group has organised an intermittent traffic closure starting at 5pm at kilometre marker 229, opposite Garatge Robert. This follows a major protest on September 6 that halted uphill traffic toward Andorra. Organisers warn the event kicks off a schedule of actions that could escalate over subsequent weekends without a firm written pledge to start construction.

Locals describe the spot as a dangerous area for pedestrians and voice exasperation at repeated unkept promises from Spanish state authorities. They also criticise La Seu d'Urgell town council for avoiding meetings with those directly affected while issuing statements to the media. Residents claim some details in those public comments are new to them. "We find out about our village's future from the newspapers. It is unacceptable that the council team talks to journalists but has no time for those of us living right by the road," group representatives said.

The campaign traces back to at least 2010, with calls for a bridge, underpass or traffic lights. The council greenlit a €69,892.83 plus VAT plan in September 2022, but progress halted over disagreements with a private landowner. No additional discussions or progress have followed the recent September action.

Neighbours have issued an online call for support from across La Seu d'Urgell and Alt Urgell, stressing the need for urgent safety improvements. "We cannot wait for a human tragedy before seeing machines at work. We have waited 16 years for a solution and are fed up with promises that are systematically broken," they stated.