Andorra's Turbo Roundabout Trial Yields Smoother Traffic on Day One

Andorra's Mobility Department reported smoother morning traffic and no incidents on the first day of the turbo roundabout trial at Prada Casadet and KM0 in Andorra la Vella.

The system went live on March 3, 2026, after road markings were added the previous day. These include extra directional arrows, a continuous line segment inside the roundabouts to separate lanes, and temporary illuminated signs marking high-risk collision areas. The outer right lane is now dedicated to straight-ahead or right-turn movements only, with left turns prohibited from that lane. Drivers must use the inner lane for left turns or straight paths from there.

Police officers were on site at Prada Casadet early that morning to provide guidance, making four indications but issuing no fines during the initial adaptation period. Officials noted shorter-than-usual rush-hour queues, crediting the new layout, and monitored both locations for compliance without penalties. The department had called on drivers via social media to exercise caution with the changes, designed to organize traffic better, boost flow, and reduce collisions at these heavily congested, accident-prone junctions.

Approved at last year's Mobility Table and delayed from early 2026 due to heavy snow, the trial—selected by Transport Secretary of State David Forné for the sites' chronic backups and crash rates—will run for a minimum of several months. Forné has voiced confidence in its success, drawing from nearby implementations, though he stressed that turbo roundabouts fit only certain spots. No fixed end date is set, and data will determine any wider rollout.

Advance signage remained limited to the new markings, prompting criticism that drivers—especially tourists—lacked sufficient warning. Driver feedback was largely positive but cautious. Local motorcyclist David called it logical to prevent outer-lane crossings that invite accidents, though he questioned tourists' compliance and admitted not always following rules perfectly. Resident Jorge saw potential benefits but feared weekend confusion among visitors. Cross-border driver Ramona, who has crashed at KM0, welcomed it strongly, tired of dangerous lane cutters, and suggested expansion to spots like Sant Julià de Lòria or the Viena roundabout.

Driving instructors observed early errors like lane invasions and abrupt maneuvers, linking them to ingrained habits despite the setup reinforcing standard rules. One avoided a collision at Prada Casadet by braking hard for an oblivious motorist. A taxi driver urged similar changes at Unió or Govern junctions. Observers noted repeated inner-lane encroachments and mid-roundabout shifts, highlighting adjustment hurdles in Andorra's roundabout-dense network.