Rockslide Closes RD618 Road in France's Ariège Valley

A rockslide has closed the RD618 road in France's Ariège department between Lacourt and Kercabanac, disrupting a key route through the valley.

The incident occurred overnight from Monday to Tuesday, February 17, 2026, forcing authorities to shut both directions of traffic on this strategic artery. It marks the second such event in less than a month, following a landslide that blocked the RN20 between Ax-les-Thermes and L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.

Ariège department officials confirmed the full closure and set up diversions to maintain traffic flow during inspection and cleanup efforts. Northbound traffic—from south to north—is rerouted along the D3, known as the tunnel route, open to both light vehicles and heavy trucks.

Southbound drivers face stricter measures: only light vehicles are permitted via the D618 to Lacourt, then the D37 toward Alos and Seix, linking up with the D3 to Kercabanac. No alternative path has been designated for heavy goods vehicles in this direction.

Authorities urged caution in the area, noting that conditions remain unstable, and advised drivers to plan routes ahead and check real-time updates on the department's official traffic information website.