Adif has reopened the Rubí tunnel for freight trains this week, restoring a critical rail link between Barcelona's industrial centres and the French border after a rockfall in January. The provisional reopening allows goods traffic on one track for limited hours daily.
"We are reopening a key axis to connect industrial centres and the Port of Barcelona with the French border," said Minister Óscar Puente on social media. This provisional arrangement will last at least one month.
Freight trains use a single track between Castellbisbal and Rubí-Can Vallhonrat for 12 hours daily, from Wednesday to Sunday. They also operate for 21 hours on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Provisional Operation Details
The tunnel closed in January following a rockfall, prompting urgent reinforcement work. Adif prioritised freight services due to their economic importance for the region. This tunnel is part of a broader effort by Adif to strengthen the railway network.
These emergency works began after a Rodalies R4 train accident in Gelida on 20 January, caused by a landslide onto the tracks. Specifically within the Rubí tunnel, engineers are reinforcing 123 metres of its over 900-metre structure.
Future for Passenger Services
Adif confirms it is working to restore passenger services on the R8 Rodalies line, which also uses this section, "in the coming weeks." Full circulation on both tracks will resume once all reinforcement work is complete.
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Originally published by 20 Minutos Barcelona. Read original article.
