The vital RN20 route between Andorra and France reopened on 9 March, far ahead of schedule, boosting traffic

The RN20 road connecting Andorra to France, closed since 31 January due to a landslide between Mérens-les-Vals and Ax-les-Thermes, reopened in both directions on 9 March at around 6:30am—seven weeks ahead of the original three-month estimate. French authorities secured a 500-cubic-metre rock using two smaller ones and installed motion sensors on the slope. These trigger traffic lights at both ends of the affected stretch, halting vehicles if movement is detected, while drivers face a ban on stopping in the zone. Full stabilisation efforts have been postponed, possibly until autumn.

Traffic recovered swiftly, with mobility officials reporting an average of 3,000 daily vehicle entries to Pas de la Casa from France since reopening—a 43% increase over the same period last year. Bus services to Toulouse resumed immediately, though some passengers contacted authorities to confirm the status. Officials anticipate higher volumes over the weekend, despite forecasts of snow. Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor described the first day's traffic as "almost like a normal day," praising the "vital axis" and bilateral cooperation: "We should all congratulate ourselves."

Pas de la Casa merchants reported a positive but cautious start. Monday saw more cars and visitors, akin to a typical March weekday, with The Cork restaurant's terrace filling quickly. Manager Alberto Santos noted demand from French day-trippers waiting to return, adding they might still salvage part of the season. Staff at tobacconist Supermercat Moments, including Susana Gonçalves, welcomed back familiar customers and expected further gains. Cosmetics shop Mac remained quiet, with worker Vanessa Aguirrezabal observing even fewer people than before. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen saw steady levels, per employee Alícia, who had hoped for a surge. Olympia recorded a slight uptick, staffer María Fernanda Ángel saying the street felt livelier amid plentiful snow. Sports outlet Wapiti, serving long-stay skiers, noted no major drop during the closure, though workers sympathised with harder-hit neighbours.

Midweek trade cooled on Tuesday and Wednesday, leaving businesses expectant for the weekend. Events like Snowrow and Maricóngelada could boost activity, but poor weather poses risks. The Merchants' Association, led by Òscar Ramon, plans to review losses at Thursday's Economic and Social Council meeting and seek extra aid for small firms, plus French advertising campaigns. UCAT president Raül Calvo remains "more cautious than optimistic," awaiting final figures before supporting more measures.

The government set the closure period as 31 January to 8 March, opening a 30-business-day aid window until 4 May. Measures include CASS contribution reductions, IGI deferrals, electricity discounts (one claim so far), €200 payments for hauliers and travellers, and refundable advances for small shops. Fuel vouchers for Occitanie vehicles totalled 6,204 for cars and two for buses from 21 February to 8 March, costing €186,520. The free Pas de la Casa-L'Hospitalet shuttle served 4,385 users—triple the norm—at over €26,000. Andorra Endavant has questioned beneficiary counts, costs, Pas impacts, and additional steps via parliamentary query.

IMF mission chief Jeff Danforth estimated a Q1 GDP hit of 0.1-0.2% from preliminary models. Finance Minister Ramon Lladós called the effect "significant for some merchants but limited overall," with fiscal revenues down 0.3% due to aid. French tabac sales in Ariège and Haute-Garonne rose 20-40%. Cheaper Andorran fuel—around €1.36 per litre for unleaded 95 and €1.37 for diesel—drew French drivers like Gérald and Jonathan from Ariège, who cited savings of up to €12 per fill-up amid rising prices.