Second Phase of RN-22 Roadworks Begins Near Andorra Border, Running Until July 10

The second phase of roadworks on the RN-22, the key route from France to Pas de la Casa, began on 4 May between the Croisade junction (RN-22/RN-320) and the Envalira roundabout. This 500-metre stretch just before the Andorran border focuses on embankment stabilisation, drainage upgrades and slope reinforcement to improve resilience against landslides, rockfalls and climate-driven freeze-thaw cycles. The works, managed by France's Direction Interdépartementale des Routes du Sud-Ouest (Dirso), will continue until 10 July as part of a five- to six-year project.

Traffic measures aim to limit delays during the busy summer season. Weekdays, including nights, feature alternating one-way flow controlled by adaptive "smart" traffic lights that respond to real-time volumes, with manual oversight possible during peaks. Brief full closures may occur for machinery movements or material deliveries. Weekends from Friday evening to Monday morning, plus public holidays, permit two-way travel on narrowed 3.2-metre lanes. A 30 km/h speed limit applies throughout the zone at all times. From 6 to 10 July, nightly closures from 21:00 to 06:00 will enable resurfacing.

Dirso advises drivers to obey signs, reduce speed and remain vigilant to protect themselves and workers, with updates posted on roadside panels. Local businesses in Pas de la Casa express concern over potential visitor dips, recalling disruptions from an RN-20 landslide near Mérens on 31 January that closed the road until 9 March.

The project stems from a 20 April 2022 agreement between Andorra and France to enhance the RN-20, RN-320 and RN-22, with a €12 million budget—Andorra covering 40% (€4.8 million)—though all improvements stay under French ownership. It follows a February 2022 announcement by Andorran head of government Xavier Espot and then-French PM Jean Castex, building on prior RN-20 collaboration.

The first phase, from August to November 2023, widened stormwater channels for better drainage. It paused in November for avalanche gallery construction on the RN-320 near Hospitalet, closing the section from Puymorens tunnel to the southern RN-320 junction.

Separately, preparatory work starts this May on the H2 avalanche gallery near Puymorens, with occasional alternating traffic. From 2 June to late October, all traffic will divert to the RN-22, while Puymorens tunnel access remains unaffected.