Sant Julià Bypass Tunnels Advance Despite TBM Delay

Work on the Sant Julià bypass project is progressing at both the north and south tunnel entrances in Rocafort, according to the Andorran government. However, the tunnel boring machine has yet to arrive, pushing back the start of drilling beyond initial deadlines.

Territory and Urbanism Minister Raül Ferré had originally projected the machine's arrival for December. He later revised this to late January during early December comments, citing the need to prepare the south entrance so the equipment could begin perforating immediately upon arrival. As of late February, the machinery remains absent.

Site activity is visible along roads in Sant Julià, with workers and equipment active at both portals. Despite the delays, the government confirms steady advancement on preparatory tasks.

In response to official inquiries, the executive offered limited details, stating only that progress continues at both ends. It promised a media briefing in the coming days to outline the drilling schedule. The update may also address whether operations will run around the clock—another option Ferré had mentioned to accelerate the timeline.

The overall project, aimed at diverting traffic around Sant Julià, retains its official completion target of 2027. No revised forecasts have been disclosed.