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RN20 Rockfall Keeps FranceAndorra Artery Closed for Days at Least

Safety inspections await a weather window as rail links increase to sustain daily life.

Overview

  • The Ariège prefecture says the route will stay shut for several days at minimum after an overnight rockfall that dropped roughly 100 m³ from 250 meters up and damaged about 100 meters of roadway.
  • Poor weather still prevents helicopter or drone reconnaissance, so large‑scale clearance and repairs cannot begin until conditions allow early in the week.
  • Authorities maintain a lengthy detour limited to light vehicles with mandatory winter equipment, with heavy goods traffic prohibited.
  • A single secured lane has been opened solely for emergency services, and public access to the slide zone is strictly banned.
  • The Occitanie region and SNCF have increased service to seven daily round trips between Ax‑les‑Thermes and La Tour‑de‑Carol to support residents, as ski operators warn of mounting financial losses.