El Pallars Jussà will have two road projects in the coming years with which the Generalitat wants to reduce the region's historical isolation from the rest of the Pyrenees and the Lleida plain. The plan combines the future N-260 bypass between Xerallo and Viu de Llevata, with the Perves tunnel, and a new section of the Eix de Comiols between Pont d'Alentorn and Vall-llebrera.
The paradox lies in the starting point. Two of Pallars' basic connections still rely on long and winding mountain roads, with altitudes of up to 1,300 meters at the Coll de Perves and 1,100 meters at Comiols, while the projects to correct this situation mobilize hundreds of millions of euros but are progressing in different phases.
The N-260 will have a two-kilometer tunnel to avoid the Coll de Perves
The Government has promoted the environmental impact and information studies for the new N-260 corridor between Pont de Suert and Xerallo, within the municipality of Sarroca de Bellera. The project aims to facilitate travel between Pallars and l'Alta Ribagorça on one of the most complex sections of the Eix Pirinenc.
Currently, the existing road is 21 kilometers long, crosses difficult terrain, and reaches an altitude of 1,300 meters at the Coll de Perves. The project foresees a six-kilometer bypass between Xerallo and Viu de Llevata that will include a two-kilometer Perves tunnel to avoid this mountain pass.
The planned investment for this bypass amounts to 150 million euros. It is part of a global project valued at 280 million to improve this corridor.
In addition to the new route, the plan includes the expansion of the Viu tunnel, the rehabilitation of the bridge over the Noguera Pallaresa, and the improvement of the connection with the C-13 to Sort. It also includes actions in Senterada, Montardit, and the Port del Cantó.
This package is integrated into the agreement between the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility to improve the functionality and safety of the N-260, with 260 million euros financed by the State.
Works on Comiols will begin in autumn with an investment of 22 million
In parallel, the Government has promoted the works on the Comiols section between Pont d'Alentorn and Vall-llebrera. The project focuses on six kilometers of the L-512 to improve the connection of Pallars with the Lleida plain.
The entire stretch between Artesa de Segre and Tremp is 54 kilometers long and has a winding route that reaches up to 1,100 meters in altitude. In this first section, work will begin in the fall and will last eighteen months.
The project includes widening the road to nine meters and small route variations around Pont d'Alentorn and Vall-llebrera. The Pont d'Alentorn will also be rehabilitated and expanded.
Afterwards, the bridge will incorporate a 2.5-meter sidewalk for pedestrians and cyclists. In later phases, the Generalitat will promote the section between Vall-llebrera and Folquer while the project drafting between Folquer and Isona i Conca Dellà continues.
The improvement of access to Pallars also extends to the C-28
Outside of these two main axes, the Government plans actions on the C-28. The planning includes avalanche protection measures at the Bonaigua pass and other improvements on this high mountain road.
The work on the section between Pont d'Alentorn and Vall-llebrera will have an investment of 22 million euros and will be carried out over eighteen months starting this fall.