Rubí tunnel repairs will cause three years of disruption to international freight transport in Catalonia. Authorities confirm repair works on the Rubí tunnel will extend until 2029. The infrastructure manager, Adif, has outlined a schedule with limitations continuing until May 2029.
The tunnel is a critical artery connecting the Port of Barcelona to European rail networks. It suffers from structural deficiencies that recently forced an emergency traffic suspension. Meanwhile, the line has partially reopened following urgent interventions. However, a comprehensive renovation is now required to ensure long-term safety and operational capacity.
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Rubí Tunnel Repairs: Three-Year Rail Freight Disruption for Port of Barcelona
Impact on Schedules and Operations
According to the Mediterranean Rail Freight Corridor entity, citing Adif sources, significant disruptions begin next week. From Wednesday, 18 February, until mid-May, trains between Rubí and Castellbisbal will operate on a single track.
During this initial phase, the line will undergo total closures on both tracks nightly from Wednesday to Sunday. These closures will last for ten hours, blocking passage from 01:45 to 10:45.
Once this first phase concludes in May, disruption intensity will decrease. However, works will continue for another three years. Until May 2029, nightly closures will remain from Wednesday to Sunday. The window will reduce to five hours (01:45 to 05:45).
A Critical Freight Corridor
The Rubí tunnel is a vital component of Catalonia’s logistics network. Inaugurated in the 1980s to divert freight from Barcelona city centre, it handles approximately 70 trains weekly. These include international gauge trains transporting goods from the Port of Barcelona and Can Tunis logistics centre to destinations in France, Belgium, Austria, Germany, and Poland.
The route also serves Iberian gauge trains distributing goods domestically. Additionally, it connects to the Rodalies R8 commuter line (Castellbisbal to Mollet-Sant Fost). The R8 line is currently halted, with improvement works coinciding with emergency repairs.
Adif previously tendered improvement works valued over €23 million in mid-2025. These contracts are reportedly still pending award. Therefore, the upcoming 900-metre tunnel renovation must coexist with active rail traffic for the remainder of the decade.
Concerns Over Logistics Efficiency
The prolonged works come at a sensitive time for the region’s rail network. This follows the recent accident in Gelida on 20 January which caused widespread chaos. Consequently, the Port of Barcelona has called for a robust contingency plan to protect economic activity and accelerate investment.
Currently, rail transport accounts for only 4% of freight movement in the region. This figure is significantly lower than the European target of 18%. Joan Carles Salmerón, director of the Centre for Transport Studies, described the situation as “the shame of Europe.” He highlighted the environmental and economic cost of relying on the 11,000 trucks crossing the border at La Jonquera daily.
Despite the disruption, port officials state logistics chains are currently coping. The blockade has temporarily increased truck traffic to move goods. However, the Port of Barcelona assures merchandise enters and leaves normally. This is aided by available road transport capacity during the quieter months of January and February.
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