Barcelona's Plaça de Sants metro station will close its L1 and L5 line interchange for over a year, starting this Monday. This significant closure affects 12,000 daily commuters who use the tunnel to switch between the red and blue lines.
The connection between the L1 and L5 lines will remain shut until spring 2027. This closure is part of extensive accessibility improvement works on the L5 platform. Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) expects to add three new lifts, widen platforms, and create a new vestibule. The station currently lacks adaptations for people with reduced mobility.
The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition (Conselleria de Territori, Habitatge i Transició Ecològica) of the Generalitat is overseeing these upgrades. Works began in February. This first phase of the project requires the interchange tunnel to close for approximately 12 months. The planned investment for these improvements totals €15.2 million. Commuters on both metro lines will need to use alternative routes outside the station. They can also find different ways to reach their destinations during this period.
Major Accessibility Upgrades Underway
The works starting this Monday will reform the corridor between the L1 and L5 lines. They include building two new emergency exits. Additionally, the project will expand station access and install three new lifts. These changes aim to make the metro stop more comfortable for people with reduced mobility. Workers will also widen staircases and platforms. The vestibule of Plaça de Sants will expand, and a new, wider ticket barrier will be installed. These upgrades directly address long-standing challenges for passengers with wheelchairs, pushchairs, or heavy luggage. The Sants district is a busy residential and commercial area, making these improvements vital for local residents and visitors alike.
Generalitat's Commitment to Metro Access
Improving accessibility across the Barcelona Metro network is a key priority for the Generalitat department. They have already adapted 157 stations, representing 96.3% of the total. This extensive effort involved an investment of approximately €110 million. Officials from Territori stated, "It improves the quality of life for citizens." They made this comment after inaugurating eight new lifts at Plaça Espanya station (L1 and L3). That project, a major hub for regional transport, cost €13.2 million. This commitment ensures that almost all metro users can access the network independently.
Recent and Future Station Improvements
Recent adaptations also finished at Ciutadella - Vila Olímpica (L4), Passeig de Gràcia (L4), and El Clot (L1). Ciutadella - Vila Olímpica saw the installation of three new lifts, enhancing access to the Olympic Village area. While work progresses on the L1 and L5 connection at Plaça de Sants, the Department of Territory is drafting the second phase of the project. This next phase will focus on adapting the L1 section of the station. The L1 section serves 55,000 users daily. The department is also working with the Barcelona City Council on the future urbanisation of Plaça de Sants. This urbanisation will integrate elements of the metro station that emerge above ground, such as station entrances.
Upcoming Projects Across the Network
The Conselleria, led by Sílvia Paneque, is also working on accessibility projects for Verdaguer (L5) and Urquinaona (L1 and L4). Urquinaona is a highly requested upgrade due to its central city location. It serves a significant number of residents and tourists daily. The project for Urquinaona is currently in its drafting stage. These ongoing efforts demonstrate a sustained push to modernise Barcelona's public transport infrastructure.
The year-long closure of the Plaça de Sants interchange marks a significant step in Barcelona's ongoing commitment to a fully accessible public transport system. Commuters should plan their journeys carefully during this period of essential upgrades.
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Originally published by 20 Minutos Barcelona. Read original article.
