Major construction work for the Sants Square metro works begins this February. Consequently, the project will make the L5 station at Plaça de Sants fully accessible. Managed by the Generalitat and Barcelona City Council, this transformation will last two and a half years. Therefore, significant changes to pedestrian routes and metro interchanges are expected. This project highlights the city’s focus on improving public transport. For example, it follows the successful tram extension along Avinguda Diagonal.
Sants Square metro works: closure and diversions
The initial phase of the Sants Square metro works will have an immediate impact. Once the perimeter is established, the square will be completely fenced off. As a result, crossing the plaza directly will become impossible. Meanwhile, pedestrians will be diverted along surrounding pavements. These will maintain a minimum width of two metres for accessibility.
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To accommodate the Sants Square metro works, several features will be removed. These include existing trees, the children’s play area, and the ‘Font del Vell’. However, these measures are necessary for the required underground excavation. The removal adds another layer of disruption for local residents. Many are already navigating economic pressures in the Sants district.
Sants Square metro works: impact on commuters
Commuters using the L1 and L5 interchange will face disruption from spring. For eight months, the internal transfer corridor will close. During this time, passengers must exit the station and connect via street level. Additionally, the station entrance near Passeig de Sant Antoni will close. Further disruptions are expected by summer, affecting traffic on Carrer de Sants.
Building inspections and work schedules
Given the excavation scale, technical inspections will occur on nearby buildings. These free, voluntary inspections cover 219 specified homes. Sensors will also monitor vibrations on streets and building façades. Residents have been informed that construction will continue overnight. However, night-time work will be limited to the station interior to minimise noise.
Long-awaited accessibility upgrades
The disruption facilitates essential modernisation. The Sants Square metro works involve expanding the station lobby below. A new elevator will connect the street to the lobby. Meanwhile, an expanded entrance at Carrer de Joan Güell will feature new escalators. These upgrades align with the recently announced major investment plan for Catalonia’s commuter rail network.
Inside, two elevators will provide step-free platform access. Importantly, one lift will bridge the gap to the L1 interchange corridor. The works also include two new emergency exits and platform modifications. In parallel, the City Council and residents are collaborating on the square’s future redevelopment design.
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