Long-Awaited Works Begin for Noise Relief
The end of a two-decade struggle is in sight for residents of Granvia Sud, L'Hospitalet’s smallest neighbourhood, as the Catalan government moves forward with plans to cover a 250-metre section of the C-31 highway. This stretch, bordering Barcelona’s La Marina district and adjacent to residential blocks, has long subjected around 100 homes to persistent noise from 100,000 daily vehicles. In July 2026, the Generalitat de Catalunya published a tender for the design phase of the project via the Diari Oficial de la Generalitat de Catalunya, marking the first formal step toward construction [S4]. The initiative follows years of sustained pressure from the Ildefons Cerdà Granvia Sud Neighbourhood Association, whose president, Paco del Río, described the progress as "the beginning of the end".
Scientific Evidence and Political Push
Noise levels in the area were officially measured at 70 decibels during the day and 65 at night, exceeding the regulatory limits of 60 dB (day) and 55 dB (night) set for residential zones. These findings, confirmed in a report commissioned by the Generalitat in November 2025, led authorities to discard an earlier design based on the Ronda de Dalt model and instead develop one tailored to local conditions. Del Río credited current L'Hospitalet mayor and former urban planning councillor David Quirós with initiating crucial negotiations, while also highlighting the role of the city’s ombudsman, Merche García, who visited affected flats and witnessed the living conditions firsthand.
We are very happy; it seems that now it's serious.
, Paco del Río, President, Ildefons Cerdà Granvia Sud Neighbourhood Association Residents previously filed a legal challenge over the incomplete coverage when the main Granvia upgrade concluded in 2006. Although the case was withdrawn after municipal assurances, no action followed for nearly 20 years. Now, with the Generalitat advancing the new plan, community leaders say there is no turning back.
Next Steps and Regional Context
While construction is not expected to begin before 2027, the tendering of the design work signals firm institutional commitment. The project aligns with broader efforts under the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition’s strategic plan to reduce acoustic impact across Catalonia’s road network. Affected residents are advised to monitor updates through the Generalitat’s official portal, where future public consultations and timelines will be posted. The final covered structure will isolate noise and reconnect the Granvia Sud community, physically and socially, after years of division by traffic and sound pollution.
Primary sources: govern.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by liniaxarxa.cat, elperiodico.com, mundodeportivo.com, lhdigital.cat, El Llobregat, vilaweb.cat, Línia Xarxa.
