The Barcelona City Council has completed the renovation of Balmes Street between Plaça de Molina and Ronda del General Mitre, delivering a 15,000-square-metre urban upgrade aimed at improving pedestrian access and connectivity between Sant Gervasi-Galvany and El Farró.
The €7 million project, which began in autumn 2024, has widened pavements to an average of 4.35 metres on each side, nearly two metres broader than before, giving pedestrians significantly more space. The works also included resurfacing, new urban furniture, and the planting of 102 trees. Those on the Llobregat side will be planted in autumn, with tree pits prepared in mid-September.
Traffic and Infrastructure Changes
Traffic has been reconfigured to include two uphill lanes, one reserved for buses and taxis, and a single downhill lane. On the Besòs side, a row of parking spaces, bus stops, and waste containers has been added. A 130-metre service lane for goods distribution is now operational.
New zebra crossings have been installed at key junctions, including Plaça Molina, Sant Hermenegild–Copèrnic, Pàdua, and Sant Elies. Some urban elements, such as electrical cabinets and lampposts at the Balmes–General Mitre junction, remain fenced off pending removal by the utility company.
Next City Projects on Schedule
With Balmes finished, attention turns to other major urban upgrades. Resurfacing on Avenida Meridiana between Felip II and Fabra i Puig is set for completion in August, followed by work on the Vila i Vilà drainage collector in autumn. The transformation of La Rambla and the reurbanisation of Gran Via above the Glòries tunnel are both scheduled for completion in early 2027.
The summer months are being used strategically to reduce disruption, with 24 citywide projects and 18 resurfacing operations underway.
These efforts are part of the city’s Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (PMI), which includes nearly 3,000 actions to renew and enhance public spaces. Full details on the Balmes works and upcoming projects are available on the Barcelona City Council website.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, Ajuntament de Barcelona, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by RUSSPAIN.com, El Periódico, Ketty Calatayud, Europa Press, larazon.es, Jordi Subirana, ground.news, Redacció, El Periódico Barcelona.
