Barcelona’s weekend street pedestrianisation programme Obrim Carrers has returned to Gran de Gràcia and the Sants–Creu Coberta axis after a two-month summer break. From this weekend, both thoroughfares will be closed to vehicle traffic every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 21:00, transforming them into open public spaces for walking, cycling, and community activities.
The initiative, now in its eighth edition, aims to reduce traffic, lower pollution, and revitalise local commerce by reclaiming major streets for people. According to the Barcelona City Council, the scheme runs from May to September with weekend hours from 10:00 to 21:00, while in winter months it operates from 09:00 to 20:00 (barcelona.cat).
Residents and Businesses Welcome the Change
Local residents describe the transformation as a long-awaited neighbourhood rambla. “It’s like the neighbourhood’s rambla that we didn’t have,” said one Gran de Gràcia resident, noting that children can now play and people can cross safely without fear of traffic.
We are delighted. There are many more people, more atmosphere, and the road is quieter, which is also appreciated.
Anna Hurtado, owner of Bon Granel on Gran de Gràcia, said footfall increases noticeably on pedestrianised weekends, benefiting both community life and commerce.
Coexistence with Metro Works in Sants
This year, the return of Obrim Carrers in Sants coincides with ongoing accessibility upgrades at Plaça de Sants metro station. Since 27 April 2026, the underground corridor linking metro lines L1 and L5 has been closed for 30 months to allow for major renovations (Barcelona City Council).
The project, costing €15.2 million, includes installing three new lifts, widening platforms and staircases, adding tactile paving for visually impaired passengers, and creating two new emergency exits. The work is part of a broader accessibility push across the metro network.
As a result, the section of Carrer de Sants usually reserved for pedestrians during Obrim Carrers is partially occupied by construction. Residents acknowledge the inconvenience but view it as temporary. “To improve, work must be done. We will have to be a little patient,” said one local.
Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) advises passengers who previously transferred between L1 and L5 underground to use alternative routes, either via street level or nearby stations (TMB Notícies).
Primary sources: barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat, tmb.cat, noticies.tmb.cat, govern.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, catalan.news, apd.cat, elnacional.cat, 20minutos.es, elperiodico.com, El Periódico, betevé.
