RN-20 Road to Reopen Early on 9 March After Landslide Closure

### RN-20 Road to Reopen Early on 9 March After Landslide Closure

The RN-20 road linking Andorra to France will reopen to two-way traffic on 9 March, nearly two months ahead of initial projections, following stabilisation work on a landslide-affected slope between Merens and Acs-dels-Tèrmes. Head of Government Xavier Espot announced the development on Friday, crediting French authorities for their rapid response after the 31 January incident.

French officials detailed the efforts: unstable rocks totalling 100 cubic metres were secured with cables and anchors, while a larger 500-cubic-metre block overhead was deemed stable for now, pending further work in 12 to 18 months. New displacement sensors and traffic lights will monitor the site, halting vehicles if risks emerge. Espot noted that any future closures for definitive repairs would be scheduled consensually during low season to minimise economic disruption.

Businesses in Pas de la Casa welcomed the news after weeks of uncertainty. Gerard Pifarré, from the local Economic and Social Council, said the shift from three months to just over six weeks made "a big difference", especially amid prior closures from bad weather and French farmer protests. Raül Calvo, president of the Tobacco Traders' Union, described a mix of relief and caution, praising French coordination but urging preparation for potential future partial shutdowns.

Ski operator Grandvalira reported losing around 1,000 daily visitors, mainly short-stay French skiers deterred by longer detours, though co-director David Hidalgo called the impact "anecdotal" compared to retail hardship. Piste conditions remained "fantastic", the best in decades, with season totals projected at 1.8 million despite 70,000-75,000 fewer French guests. Apartment rentals saw more bookings than cancellations, per AEAT president Àlex Ruiz, while shops reported drops of 40-70%. Aid packages from government and Encamp parish remain active until full normalcy returns; some businesses questioned their design, favouring direct support over payment deferrals.

Espot highlighted strengthened bilateral ties, insisting France deployed substantial economic, logistical and political resources. Encamp's senior consul Laura Mas thanked both sides and pledged coordination on future works. French mayors expressed relief but vigilance.

The early reopening allows Pas de la Casa to capitalise on winter's end, averting deeper losses in a tourism-dependent area reliant on this sole road link.