Motorists in Barcelona are facing significant disruption as new road closures come into force around Plaça d’Espanya. The measures are part of the next major phase of construction for the L8 Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) metro line. Indeed, these Barcelona L8 extension traffic cuts are necessary for the arrival and operation of a large tunnel boring machine.
The works, which mark two years since the project began, will eventually connect the FGC lines of Vallès and Llobregat-Anoia. According to an announcement from Barcelona City Council, the new phase of construction will cause significant changes to traffic flow in the Eixample district for at least the next 18 months.
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Details of the Barcelona L8 Extension Traffic Cuts
The first street affected is Carrer de la Diputació. As of 12 January 2026, it is closed to traffic between Carrer de Llançà and Carrer de Tarragona. This closure is expected to last for at least a year and a half to facilitate the tunnel excavation. Traffic will be diverted via Entença and Calàbria towards Carrer d’Aragó to allow access to Plaça d’Espanya. Meanwhile, the city is also experiencing other long-term transport upgrades, such as the major tram works causing traffic disruption around Plaça de les Glòries.
A second major closure will begin on 26 January on Carrer de Vilamarí. The road will be cut at the junction with Gran Via, forcing traffic to turn towards Besòs. Consequently, this will turn the section of Vilamarí up to Carrer de Sepúlveda into a cul-de-sac. Two-way traffic will be implemented between Sepúlveda and Gran Via. This phase of the work is expected to last until the summer.
Project Background and Timeline
The L8 extension is a major infrastructure project for Barcelona. It is designed to create a crucial link in the city’s public transport network. The four-kilometre tunnel will run from Plaça d’Espanya to Gràcia. New stations are planned for Hospital Clínic and Francesc Macià. The arrival of the tunnel boring machine is a key milestone. Drilling is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026. In addition, this complements other recent investments, like the €16.6 million accessibility upgrade for Sants metro station.
The Departament de Territori is overseeing the project. It anticipates that the new FGC branch will be completed and operational by 2030. Furthermore, modernisation of the metro system also extends to rolling stock. A recent contract to supply 39 new Barcelona metro trains is also underway. Full details of the current traffic changes have been published by the Ajuntament de Barcelona.
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