Fenadismer, the Spanish hauliers’ federation, has expressed deep concern over the closure’s repercussions for both commercial and public transport. Hundreds of lorries use the Somport tunnel daily to transport goods between Spain and France via the Aragón and Aspe valleys. The alternative route through Irún, already a bottleneck for cross-border traffic, will likely become even more congested as a result.
The heavy rains that hit the Pyrenees over the weekend triggered landslides that severely damaged infrastructure on both sides of the border. The French N-134 highway, which leads to the Somport tunnel, and Spain’s A-138 highway to the Bielsa tunnel have both been affected. French authorities have stated that repairs will take at least six months, leaving hauliers and travellers without direct access through these central Pyrenees routes for the foreseeable future.
Photo credits @ Fenadimser
In addition to affecting freight traffic, the closure is expected to disrupt travel for thousands of Spanish pilgrims who take the route to visit the Sanctuary of Lourdes in France. Located just 100 kilometres from the Irún border, the pilgrimage route is a popular one, particularly by bus.
Fenadismer has called on the Spanish government to urge their French counterparts to expedite the repair works, highlighting the economic importance of the Somport tunnel as a major connection between Spain and France.