Six Million Euros for Tramuntana Roads: Coll de Sóller and sa Calobra Renovated

The Island Council plans improvements on two of Mallorca's most famous mountain routes: about 13 kilometers of new road surface, new guardrails, and signs. Work is planned for winter; tenders are not yet open.

Big package for two narrow roads in the Serra

I have recently driven the Coll de Sóller route more often - tight bends, buses, cyclists and occasional deeper potholes that startled me. Now the Island Council has decided to invest nearly six million euros in two important connections in the Tramuntana mountains: Coll de Sóller and sa Calobra are to be comprehensively renewed.

What is planned

On both routes, the road surfaces are to be renewed: about 13 kilometers of asphalt will be laid anew. In addition, guard rails and traffic signs will be modernized. It sounds like the usual program, but on the winding sections where buses and tourist cars often pass each other by millimeters, this can make a noticeable difference.

When will the work start

Most measures are planned for the winter months when less holiday traffic burdens the mountain roads. Concrete dates are not yet available: tenders for the construction contracts are still open. In plain language: contracts, bid evaluations, then excavators and bitumen – the usual procedure takes a few weeks.

As locals hear voices already: they look forward to safer roads but also have concerns about noise and dust. The responsible authorities say that the work will be carried out as considerate as possible – with operating windows and traffic notices.

Why this is important

The two routes are more than just asphalt: they connect villages, provide access to popular coves and are economic arteries for locals and businesses. Especially for bus lines and agricultural vehicles, well-paved roads are a must. Lately storms and aging pavement have left clear marks in some places.

Safety also plays a role. New guard rails at critical points and clear signage reduce accidents – especially in the off-season when roads can be wet and visibility poor.

What remains open

It remains to be seen how long the works will last and whether longer closures will occur. Environmental impacts are also being assessed because the Serra de Tramuntana is under special protection. It would be desirable if construction phases are planned so that pedestrians and cyclists do not have to detour for months.

Anyone who regularly travels over Coll de Sóller or to sa Calobra should monitor tender notices in the coming weeks. Once the first bidders are known, it will be clearer whether the works will start this winter or be postponed.

My impression

Overall: a necessary investment. Six million is no small amount, but on narrow mountain roads repairs can save lives and ease daily life. I only hope the coordination works and the closures stay moderate – otherwise we will soon be stuck in traffic while the excavators work diligently.