The Gipuzkoa Provincial Council has planned an investment of approximately 150 million euros for the N-I road as it passes through Andoain, a section used daily by over 73,000 vehicles. The primary goals are to optimize traffic fluidity, prevent daily congestion, and enhance the quality of life for nearby residents, particularly through noise reduction.
Earlier this year, Félix Urkola, the Provincial Deputy for Infrastructure and Public Works, presented the project for a new loop-shaped connection that will link the A-15 motorway with the N-I. This project will soon be open for public consultation, with construction anticipated to commence in early 2027. However, this is not the sole planned intervention; partial tunneling of the road is also included.
One of the most innovative and striking projects involves covering approximately 240 meters of the N-I in the Mimendi neighborhood. This measure aims to mitigate the significant noise generated by the road, given the close proximity of residential buildings. Furthermore, the covered area will create an opportunity for a new public space, the urbanization of which will be decided in collaboration with the Andoain City Council.
The remaining planned actions are designed to divert Andoain's internal traffic from the N-I, clarify problematic access and exit points, and reduce noise using acoustic barriers and natural vegetation along the Oria river and in the vicinity of Paseo Miranda.
The first construction phase will be the loop connection, which is the only project currently fully drafted. Nevertheless, the Provincial Council will publish the tender documents for the remaining projects in the coming months, allowing for a phased implementation of all interventions.
The current connection between the A-15 motorway and the N-I struggles to handle the daily traffic volume smoothly. The two lanes of the motorway reduce to one for drivers heading towards the N-I in the direction of Tolosa. This, combined with a steep descent and a sharp curve, impedes traffic flow, especially for heavy vehicles. The new loop, budgeted at 57 million euros, will feature a viaduct of approximately 600 meters that will fly over the N-I and turn right to move away from residential areas.
This project will soon be available for public review, with bidding expected by the end of this year or early next. Construction is estimated to take eighteen months, and with an additional six months for completing the connections, the new interchange should be ready by the first half of 2029.
Additionally, to improve access to and from Andoain, several roundabouts and a parallel road will be created. This new road, approximately 650 meters long, will run alongside the Sapa company, enabling Andoain residents to travel between different parts of the town without needing to access the N-I or pass through the town center.
Modifications are also planned in the Txistoki area, heading towards San Sebastián, to correct and improve the exit to central Andoain. Similarly, improvements will be made around Sorabilla, including a new access to the A-15 in the direction of Pamplona.
According to Félix Urkola, the N-I must remain operational throughout the construction period, which will be carried out in phases to avoid traffic disruption. The order of operations will be carefully determined to minimize impact.
