Andorra to pilot turbo‑roundabouts at two high‑risk junctions

The government will begin a pilot in January to convert two of Andorra’s most congested roundabouts — Prada Casadet and KM0 — into turbo‑roundabouts, a layout not previously used in the country. The measure aims primarily to reduce the high incidence of accidents at these junctions and secondarily to improve traffic flow.

Under the new configuration the outer (right) lane on both approaches and exits, in both directions, will be limited to going straight or turning right; left turns and U‑turns will be prohibited. Officials say the change will simplify manoeuvres inside the junction, reduce conflict points and make circulating through the roundabouts more fluid. Authorities also stress that the central lane is not for right turns and that driver education will be necessary to ensure correct lane use.

Both roundabouts will receive reinforced horizontal and vertical signage, plus illuminated panels identifying them as locations with recurring collisions and guiding drivers through the revised lane rules. The National Mobility Table — attended by the secretary of state for transports, the consuls of all parishes, police representatives, COEX and technical and communal services — validated the measure at a recent meeting.

Secretary of State for Transports, Mobility and Energy Transition David Forné said technicians expect the redesign to work and reiterated the need for outreach on lane use inside the roundabouts. He said the pilot will run for several months, without specifying an exact duration, and that if results are positive the turbo‑roundabout model could be extended to other congested points in the road network. Forné also noted that reducing accidents will depend on both the geometric reorganisation and the new visual information provided.

The pilot is being presented as a targeted intervention at two high‑risk nodes of the road network; if proven effective it would mark the first wider implementation of turbo‑roundabouts in Andorra.