Pas de la Casa Sees Mixed Traffic on First Full Day After RN-20 Reopening

Pas de la Casa traders report mixed traffic on the RN-20's first full day after reopening, with some describing low footfall and lingering caution among French visitors despite higher vehicle entries.

The route to France resumed two-way traffic at around 6:30am on Monday, March 9, after a rockslide closure from January 31 between L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and Ax-les-Thermes. French crews cleared nearly 200 cubic metres of rock—over 500 tonnes—seven weeks ahead of the original three-month estimate by stabilising key boulders. Around 500 cubic metres of overhanging rock remains, with further closures planned for autumn during the low season. The stretch now features motion sensors at both ends, linked to traffic lights that stop vehicles immediately on detection; parking is banned within the zone.

Mobility services recorded increased entries from France, in line with a typical March Monday outside school holidays, though some drivers called to verify access and others held back. Shopkeepers noted calm streets overall, with moderate queues early on and more cars in the lower town near Plaça Coprínceps parking—the area hardest hit by the shutdown. Supermarkets including Euromercat and Maximercat saw slight upticks in essentials like fuel, alcohol, tobacco, and detergents, but no major surge; staff described it as "a bit more movement, but not like a normal day." Restaurants reported gains from mid-morning, while ski-area outlets saw little change due to local customers.

Views among traders varied. Some called business "dead" like recent weeks, citing rumours of future closures and fears of being cut off via Puigcerdà alternatives. A handbag seller hoped for weekend improvement, weather permitting, while a perfumery worker pointed to visitor hesitation over unclear timelines. Others welcomed early French buyers, especially in the south, with one clothing shop noting more vehicles at Plaça Coprínceps and loyal customers returning. Restaurants like The Cork and Popeyes saw fuller terraces, and tabac outlets expected gains. Accommodation providers reported minimal prior impact and steady bookings.

Josep Maria Mas, Pas de la Casa Chamber of Commerce president and CES representative, noted a changed atmosphere with more French tourists but awaited sales data. Traders plan a meeting next week to assess effects and discuss further aid for the hardest-hit, including small shops. Òscar Ramon of the Traders' Association and Raül Calvo of the UCAT called for targeted compensation and advertising campaigns in France. Mas urged minimising future disruptions: "We must find ways to carry out the work affecting as little as possible."

Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor thanked France for reopening the "vital axis," highlighting strong bilateral cooperation and traffic "almost like a normal day." Prime Minister Xavier Espot confirmed full access with maximum safety. The IMF's Jeff Danforth estimated a 0.1% GDP hit overall, or 0.2% in Q1 including aid, based on models without firm data. Finance Minister Ramon Lladós said impacts were significant for some traders but limited nationally, with fiscal revenues down 0.3% from relief measures; Q1 data is pending. Bus services to Toulouse resumed, cutting prior detours. Merchants anticipate a gradual rebound, especially over the weekend.