Barcelona's busiest metro station, Plaça Catalunya, will close its central corridor connecting Line 1 (L1) and Line 3 (L3) for approximately two months this summer. Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) confirmed the temporary closure for essential renovation work, requiring passengers to transfer between lines via the street.
The passage is a daily hive of passengers, also providing access to Rodalies and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) services. TMB plans the closure between June and September, though exact dates remain unconfirmed. During the closure, the interchange between platforms beneath Plaça Catalunya must happen above ground.
"Currently, they are finalising the dates to try and affect users for the shortest possible time," a TMB spokesperson stated. They added, "The works are being planned so that the impact on passengers extends for two months."
Asbestos Removal and Full Renovation
The renovation primarily involves removing asbestos-containing materials from the corridor's ceilings and walls. Analyses by TMB indicate the material remains confined and in good condition, posing no immediate health risk. However, Spanish law mandates the removal of toxic minerals from all public buildings by 2028.
Additionally, the works include a full renovation of the Plaça Catalunya corridor. TMB awarded the €1.50 million contract to a temporary joint venture (UTE) formed by Acsa and Infraestructuras Trade. The contract was signed in February.
Minimising Disruption for Barcelona Commuters
The project will take place during the summer holiday season. Metro usage typically sees a slight decrease during these months. This strategic timing aims to minimise disruption for the city's residents and tourists. Plaça Catalunya is a major interchange in the heart of Barcelona, a city home to 1.6 million residents. Its closure impacts daily commutes and tourist movements across the city centre.
Documents from the contract tender highlighted the "critical nature of closing a key and essential link for user transport." An internal report also noted the "high technical complexity" involved in the asbestos removal process. The preliminary schedule for the tender outlined four months for the full remodelling, from July to October, with a total closure in July and August.
Broader Metro Network Improvements
A similar street-level transfer is currently in place for the L1 and L5 lines at Plaça de Sants station. Accessibility improvements at Plaça de Sants started in late April and will continue for a year. That station is one of the few remaining in Barcelona without adapted lifts and escalators for entry.
TMB will announce the definitive closure dates for the Plaça Catalunya corridor soon. Passengers should plan alternative routes for their journeys between L1 and L3 during the summer period. This ensures smooth travel through Barcelona's extensive metro network.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
