The mayor of Les Planes d'Hostoles, Marc Puig, is urging the Catalan government to prioritise safety upgrades at the Pocafarina Bridge on the GI-531 road, a key route through the Vall del Llémena.
The Generalitat de Catalunya has committed to investing between €5 million and €8 million in safety improvements along the GI-531, according to the Department of Territory, though exact sections have not yet been specified. The funding is intended to enhance safety without widening the road itself.
Puig has highlighted the Pocafarina Bridge as a critical pinch point requiring immediate attention. Speaking on Olot TV’s ‘L’Alcalde Respon’ programme, he stressed the need for reliable access to the Angelats industrial estate, which is due to expand in 2027–2028. 'Regardless of whether the Generalitat moves forward with broader road upgrades, our priority is the widening and improvement of the Pocafarina Bridge,' Puig said.
Local residents and workers have long raised concerns about the safety of the GI-531, which sees heavy traffic from cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and cyclists. Previous protests, including a road blockade by residents in 2023, have called for urgent safety measures, with campaigners accusing the government of delay.
Puig remains cautious about political promises. 'Every time there’s an election or a change of government, they say the road will be improved, but it always ends up in a drawer,' he said. 'Until I see a public tender and a works contract awarded, I won’t celebrate this project.'
The municipalities of Les Planes d'Hostoles and Sant Aniol de Finestres continue to formally demand action, arguing that the current state of the road poses a risk to daily commuters and local workers.
Reported by garrotxadigital.cat, gerio.cat, Garrotxa Digital.
