Barcelona residents and visitors can expect changes to traffic flow in the districts of Sants and Gràcia this weekend. The City Council’s ‘Obrim Carrers’ initiative will close key streets to vehicles on Saturday, February 21st, and Sunday, February 22nd, aiming to prioritise pedestrians and reduce congestion.
Initially launched during the previous municipal term, the popular scheme aims to transform thoroughfares into pedestrian-only zones for eleven hours daily. This allows residents to reclaim public space, supports local businesses, and promotes sustainable mobility.
Weekend Street Closures: Details and Times
From 09:00 to 20:00, a significant stretch of road will be freed from motorised traffic. This includes the axis formed by Carrer de la Creu Coberta and Carrer de Sants, major commercial arteries connecting Sants with L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Additionally, Carrer Gran de Gràcia, located in the heart of the Gràcia district, will also close to vehicles.
The Barcelona City Council hopes the initiative will encourage public space use and reduce pollution. However, these closures will inevitably impact traffic flow and public transport routes.
Public Transport Diversions
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has announced substantial alterations to bus routes. Several lines will be affected, requiring passengers to plan their journeys accordingly. The Metrópoli Abierta news site reports that key bus lines connecting the city centre with uptown districts will experience disruptions.
In Gràcia, bus lines V17, 22, and 24, crucial for traversing the district, will have diverted routes. Buses heading towards the mountain area from Plaça del Cinc d’Oros will be diverted along Avinguda Diagonal, Via Augusta, and Avinguda de la Riera de Cassoles, before reaching Plaça Lesseps. This avoids the central core of the Gràcia neighbourhood.
The situation is similarly complex in Sants. The closure of Creu Coberta and Carrer de Sants disrupts a key route in and out of the city towards L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
High-frequency bus lines will be particularly affected. The D20, a heavily used route, will face significant detours. Buses heading towards Plaça Espanya will be diverted via Avinguda de Madrid, Carrer de Berlín, and Carrer de Numància, rejoining its route at Carrer de Tarragona. In the opposite direction, towards Sants, the diversion will navigate around the pedestrianised zone, using Plaça dels Països Catalans, Passeig de Sant Antoni, and Carrer dels Comtes de Bell-Lloc.
Additionally, the V5 line, heading towards Mare de Déu de Port, will also bypass the commercial area, diverting via Passeig de Sant Antoni and Carrer del Consell de Cent.
Exceptions to the Closures
Although the closures are comprehensive, the Guardia Urbana (local police) will maintain access for essential services. During the restricted hours (09:00 to 20:00), barriers will be lifted only for:
- Municipal and emergency service vehicles
- Loading and unloading during designated hours
- Accredited residents accessing private parking
- Users of public car parks
- Taxis providing emergency services
- Vehicles transporting individuals with reduced mobility
- The City Council has clarified that the ‘pacification’ of these streets does not mean a complete ban on wheeled transport. Bicycles and electric scooters are permitted within the closed zones. However, pedestrians have absolute priority.
- A 10 kilometres per hour speed limit will be enforced in these sections over the weekend. The Guardia Urbana will also monitor these areas to prevent risky situations between pedestrians and personal mobility device users.
- The initiative is designed to improve the quality of life for Barcelona residents. While potential traffic disruption is acknowledged, the long-term goal is a more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable city.
- For further information on bus route diversions, consult the TMB website.
- More about the vibrant neighbourhoods affected can be found at the Gràcia district in Barcelona (Wikivoyage) and Sants-Montjuïc (Wikivoyage).
- Detailed information on the main commercial routes can be found at Eix Gran de Gràcia and Carrer de Sants – Benvingut a Carrer de Sants.
- News and information related to Sants can be found at the BarriSants.org
