Olot bypass project faces legal challenges amid calls for construction

The Olot bypass project faces legal challenges as multiple administrative lawsuits have been filed against the Generalitat to halt construction. The Mayor of Olot, Agustí Arbós, has expressed urgency for the project, stating that work on the Olot section should proceed regardless of judicial rulings to address critical traffic and mobility issues in the city of 40,000 residents.

In response to the litigation, the association Les Preses 2020-2030 has announced plans for mobilizations to prevent the project from being stopped. Supporters of the infrastructure have criticized the legal actions taken by groups such as Unió de Pagesos, Salvem les Valls, and the La Vall d’en Bas City Council, labeling them as a “disloyalty” to previous negotiations.

Proponents argue that the bypass is essential to manage the high volume of daily traffic, which includes approximately 20,000 vehicles and 3,000 trucks. They further contend that environmental studies have already confirmed the project's safety regarding local aquifers.