Barcelona traders warn of disruption from roadworks

Shopkeepers on streets affected by major works in Barcelona face reduced customer access while projects continue, Xavier Cotet, a vice-president representing the commercial sector, said in a radio interview broadcast on 2 September 2026.

Cotet named La Rambla, Glòries, Carrer de Balmes, Carrer de Muntaner, Comte d'Urgell and the approaches to Plaça d'Espanya as areas affected by concurrent works. He said the pressure is greatest for independent shops, which must still meet rent, payroll, stock and municipal tax costs when customer numbers fall.

Claims of falling customer numbers on Balmes and Muntaner

Speaking on Herrera en COPE Catalunya, Cotet said the problem was not solely summer works but the overlap of projects lasting years. He argued that changes reducing traffic lanes and restricting vehicle access were making it harder for customers to reach businesses.

Carrer de Muntaner and Carrer de Balmes were cited as streets where works have reduced downhill traffic lanes.
Cotet said customer footfall on those routes had fallen by between 30% and 40%.
He said the net operating margin for a typical shop was around 10% to 12%.

“If your sales fall by 20% or 30%, you are finished.”Xavier Cotet, speaking on Herrera en COPE Catalunya

Call for contingency plans and compensation

Cotet said the Ajuntament de Barcelona, the city council, was carrying out the projects lawfully but should take responsibility for their economic effect on businesses. He described current municipal financial support as “zero”.

He called for a contingency plan, tax relief or direct compensation for bars, restaurants and neighbourhood shops affected by prolonged public works. Cotet said smaller independent businesses could not spread the loss across other outlets in the way that large chains can.