Reform Work on Avinguda Joan Martí Causes Traffic and Parking Woes in Encamp

Reform work on Avinguda Joan Martí in Encamp is already causing occasional traffic backups and parking shortages, particularly during school hours and peak times.

The project, now in its early stages on less commercial stretches, has led to noticeable disruptions in local mobility. Drivers report congestion mainly on adjacent streets, especially Carrer Príncep Benlloch, where vehicles briefly stop to drop off children at the Encamp secondary school. This issue worsens as the Funibus and national bus lines reroute through the area, intensifying traffic during already busy periods.

Parking pressures have also risen. The loss of spaces along the affected avenue section has pushed demand to nearby streets with limited capacity, leaving some spots occupied by remaining vehicles or reserved for paid use. Local shop owners note varied impacts: those in quieter areas see little change so far, while others report fewer passing cars and harder access for customers. "People who want to stop can't find a spot," one merchant said, adding that nearby options are often dirty or charge fees.

Commerciants expect challenges to grow as work progresses toward more central sections, with the full project slated to run until 2028. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

Separately, debate has emerged over the decision to skip utility galleries in the redesign. Encamp's lead consellera, Laura Mas, told RTVA the choice stems from technical criteria, not politics. She argued against building a €10 million gallery for just one water pipe, as neither FEDA nor Andorra Telecom plans to use it. "Technical judgment and common sense" should guide such large-scale efforts, Mas said, dismissing it as a niche resident view rather than a broad demand.

For now, disruptions remain limited to specific times, but residents and businesses anticipate adjustments ahead.