RN-20 Road Reopens Two-Way Traffic Seven Weeks Early After Landslide

The Ariege prefecture has announced that the RN-20 will reopen to two-way traffic on March 9, 2026—over seven weeks ahead of the initial three-month closure estimate after the January 31 landslide between Merens-les-Vals and Ax-les-Thermes. Prefect Hervé Brabant stated that crews purged unstable elements totaling 100 cubic meters supporting a larger 500-cubic-meter block above, with stability assessments confirming pre-landslide safety conditions. Favorable slope stability and recent work enabled the advance, though further studies will require future closures for reinforcements, alongside a broader risk reassessment in the area.

Motion sensors now monitor the slope, triggering upstream flashing red lights to stop traffic during any detected movement—a system used on other French mountain roads. Drivers must halt immediately at red signals and refrain from stopping in the risk zone, Brabant stressed, emphasizing strict compliance for user safety and traffic flow. Permanent fixes, expected in 12-18 months, will be scheduled off-season in coordination with Andorra to limit impacts.

Andorran Head of Government Xavier Espot confirmed the date following discussions with the Occitanie prefect, noting French technicians verified safe circulation conditions. Activations would be rare, he said, holding imprudent drivers fully accountable. Espot called the news a celebration for Pas de la Casa and the ski sector, crediting French efforts despite early catastrophic projections.

Encamp senior councillor Laura Mas described it as long-awaited relief for residents, businesses, and the nation, praising Franco-Andorran collaboration and the 500-cubic-meter block's stabilization. Aid for February losses opens March 1, with council subsidies including partial CASS payments and microenterprise advances up to €5,000 monthly. Mas announced a new Pas de la Casa Economic and Social Council meeting to propose low-impact dates for future works, outside winter and summer peaks.

French mayors welcomed the two-month acceleration with caution. L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre's Arnaud Diaz called it vital to prevent job losses but remained watchful of the road's fragility, urging valley infrastructure investments. Merens-les-Vals's Jean-Pierre Sicre highlighted rapid sensor installation easing strains on a water bottler facing €60,000 daily losses, local shops, restaurants, and medical access; he seeks a national relief fund. Ax-les-Thermes's Dominique Fourcade anticipates Easter recovery while monitoring ahead of 2027 works.

Pas de la Casa traders expressed optimism but pressed for support. Tobacco Traders Union president Raül Calvo labeled it a good surprise after dire forecasts, with sales 70-80% down despite handling 65% of national volume. He advocated targeted aid like ERTEs for small shops over broad fuel vouchers, plus a government-Andorra Turisme "shop festival" for French families. Neighbors and Traders Association president Òscar Ramon foresaw gradual recovery, stressing aid until reopening and campaigns against shifts to La Jonquera or Viella. Recent meetings voiced frustration with measures, demanding ERTE frameworks and better rail-shuttle links amid empty shops and 400 fuel vouchers issued Wednesday. Tourism offices, swamped with distributions, request more staff.

Grandvalira's David Hidalgo confirmed the April 6 closure, estimating 1,000 daily skier losses (70,000-75,000 seasonally) from French day-trippers, though February exceeded expectations with excellent snow drawing longer stays. Shuttles from L'Hospitalet peaked at 225 daily carrying over 2,000, but rail coordination lags. Only Arcalís may extend a week depending on snow. Hidalgo called ski impacts minor compared to Pas commerce. Apartment tourism saw more bookings than cancellations, per AEAT president Àlex Ruiz, aiding upper Pas activity.

Government continues monitoring, with Territory Minister Raül Ferré and Mas planning a site visit. Merchants flag Spanish tobacco price changes and push permanent access upgrades.