Main road to the Sierra Nevada ski resort in Granada of Spain remains blocked by rockslide

Motorists visiting the Sierra Nevada ski resort in Granada’s Pradollano, in Monachil, are experiencing long detours due to a dramatic rockfall on the A-395 that continues to block the main access road to the popular tourist destination.

The rockslide occurred on Sunday, January 29, injuring eight people, including an infant and a two-year-old. According to the agents who went to the scene, the blockade is expected to continue for “a week”, which could affect one of the weekends of maximum activity in the Sierra Nevada ski resort, which is already occupied.

With the unexpected road closure, traffic is taking much longer than normal to reach the ski resort. The Olive Press found that unclear signage for the detour is causing many cars to drive on the closed section of the A-395 from Los Pinillos, only to return at an official roadblock 10km further on the route, and then receive verbal instructions.

Although the landslide is at kilometer 16, near the La Higuera restaurant, a long section of the A-395 is closed between Los Pinillos and Las Sabinas. Vehicles are being diverted down winding mountain roads that form alternative routes. Although these are scenically beautiful, they may surprise motorists who have never driven through narrow mountain passes with hairpin turns.

Heading north to Pradollano, vehicles are diverting onto the GR-3202 from Monachil, known as the ‘Ruta del Purche’. To the south, the authorities are sending vehicles along the A-4030 and GR-3200 through Güéjar Sierra. Both routes are clearly unsuitable for large or heavy vehicles. The reporter was in a traffic jam near Güéjar Sierra, caused by a crane coming from the opposite direction.

The Olive Press asked a Civil Guard patrol that was circulating through Pradollano for advice. “Keep Google on, that’s the best option,” the agents said. “He will send you the right path, which is open at that time”

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