Barcelona’s L10 Sud metro line faces a four-day service suspension this Easter weekend. The Generalitat is completing a vital €3.5 million upgrade to its braking system on the Zona Franca viaduct. This project ensures consistent train stops regardless of weather conditions, addressing a long-standing operational challenge.

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The upgrade focuses on the ramp section. This section connects the underground tunnel along Passeig de la Zona Franca with the elevated viaduct over Carrer A. This specific stretch lies between Zona Franca and Foc stations. It requires adaptation of its signalling and circulation system. “These are complementary works, in this case focused on the sloping section,” stated the Departament de Territori of the Generalitat. Infraestructures.cat channels the investment for these works.

Enhancing Metro Safety

The current works represent the second phase of a significant infrastructure improvement. Last year, technicians implemented a similar adaptation across the entire viaduct section. This earlier phase specifically addressed the braking time for the L10 Sud’s driverless trains. Previously, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) had to activate a special anti-slip safety procedure. This procedure was initiated from the metro control centre whenever it rained. It prevented trains from overshooting their designated stopping points by a few centimetres. While largely imperceptible to passengers, this issue triggered safety alarms.

The new permanent system, developed by Siemens Mobility, ensures consistent braking performance. Driverless trains now stop with identical anticipation, irrespective of cold or hot weather. This unified safety system operates independently of climatic conditions. It fulfils a key request from TMB officials to the Generalitat, which manages the infrastructure. The problem of inconsistent braking has persisted since the new viaduct stations opened six years ago. In fact, the Generalitat delayed the line’s inauguration by six months. This delay occurred because preliminary tests revealed trains failed to stop precisely at their predetermined points.

Service Disruption and Shuttle Buses

To facilitate these crucial works, the L10 Sud service is temporarily suspended. This suspension also integrates the new system with existing viaduct operations. The affected section runs from Can Tries Gornal to the line’s terminus at ZAL Riu Vell. This suspension lasts from Friday until Monday, coinciding with the Easter holiday period. The service cut extends beyond the viaduct itself. Technicians must adjust the entire line’s signalling system. TMB has deployed a shuttle bus service to cover the affected route. This ensures continued connectivity for residents and workers in the Zona Franca area.

The Zona Franca district is a vital industrial and logistics hub in Barcelona. It experiences significantly reduced movement during public holidays. However, the L10 Sud line typically serves approximately 12,500 users on weekdays. The temporary closure impacts these regular commuters. The L10 Sud is Barcelona’s newest metro line. Its future plans include extending from Zona Franca across L’Hospitalet and upper Barcelona to Badalona. This comprehensive upgrade ensures the line’s long-term operational efficiency and safety.

Long-Term Benefits for Barcelona

The completion of this second phase resolves a critical and long-standing operational challenge for the L10 Sud metro line. This investment in modern signalling technology significantly enhances passenger safety and service reliability. It also prepares the line for its anticipated future expansion. Barcelona residents can expect a more robust and dependable public transport service on this important route. The Generalitat continues its commitment to improving Barcelona’s extensive metro network.

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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.