French Authorities Impose Snow-Related Traffic Bans on Andorra Access Roads

French authorities are maintaining plans for traffic restrictions on key access roads to Andorra due to forecasts of heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility over the weekend, with heavy vehicle bans from 6:00 p.m. Friday and possible full closures to Pas de la Casa.

The Interdepartmental Directorate of Roads in Southwest France (DIRSO) has confirmed prohibitions for vehicles over 19 tonnes on the RN20, RN320, and RN22 between Foix and Ur—including the Andorran border—from 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 9, until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, January 11. Potential full closures include the RN320 between Col de Puymorens and La Croisade until noon Sunday, and both the RN320 and RN22 to Pas de la Casa from 8:00 p.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Sunday. These steps prioritize user and emergency service safety, with adjustments possible based on live weather and road data. Updates are available on the Bison Futé website.

Andorra's Interior Minister Ester Molné stated after recent technical meetings that French forecasts remain unchanged, emphasizing risks from wind reducing visibility alongside snow accumulation. "The weather report predicts not only snow but also wind, which will reduce visibility," she said, adding that closures would proceed "out of prudence" if conditions worsen, though no exact timing has been set pending further talks.

The Andorran government has voiced strong concerns over economic fallout, especially at Pas de la Casa in peak season, and reiterated disagreement with full shutdowns. Officials offered COEX snowplows for deployment in France to keep routes open, but French counterparts highlighted wind and visibility as overriding factors. Positions were conveyed diplomatically and at Thursday's technical session involving Andorran experts from Foreign Affairs, Mobility, Civil Protection, COEX, and the National Meteorological Service. A follow-up meeting occurred Friday morning to assess conditions and support options.

Snow is expected from midday Friday, intensifying Saturday with levels dropping from 1,300 to 900 metres amid gusts to 100 km/h at peaks. Andorra's Meteorological Service has a yellow alert for snow and wind until Saturday morning, tied to the Goretti system.

Civil Protection advises avoiding non-essential trips, securing properties, dressing warmly for any travel, checking road status, and noting emergency plans are prepared.