Service Resumes After 43-Day Closure

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has completed a €11.5 million infrastructure upgrade on metro line L1, restoring service between Florida and Plaça de Sants from 29 August 2026. The section had been closed since 17 July for urgent renewal works across nearly 2.1 kilometres of track. The closure affected stations between Florida and Plaça de Sants, impacting daily commuters in Barcelona and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. Shuttle buses operated during the 43-day period to maintain connectivity.

Track Stability and Noise Reduction Upgrades

Work focused on the stretch between Santa Eulàlia and Mercat Nou, where ballasted track was replaced with concrete slab track. David Prat, director of Metro Barcelona, said the change significantly improves stability, reduces vibrations and noise, and cuts long-term maintenance needs. Concrete provides a rigid foundation that minimises movement compared to traditional ballast, which shifts over time and requires frequent realignment. The new system is expected to enhance passenger comfort and service reliability.

  • 1,580 metres of mainline track renewed
  • Expansion joint replaced to prevent rail deformation due to temperature changes
  • Signalling and drainage systems upgraded
The intervention guarantees greater track stability, which translates into more comfort for users, easier maintenance and increased reliability.

David Prat, Metro Barcelona Director

Modernisation of Santa Eulàlia Workshop

Concurrent upgrades were carried out at the century-old Santa Eulàlia workshop. Five pit tracks, covering 510 metres, were converted from ballast to concrete. Access track switches were renewed and conventional overhead catenary replaced with rigid catenary for improved electrical contact and durability. These changes streamline train entry and exit operations and increase safety within the facility. Laia Bonet, president of TMB, visited the site to inspect progress, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to modernising the network. She stated the investment supports a more robust and reliable transport system for residents. A total of 170 workers were mobilised for the summer project, one of the most significant line upgrades scheduled this year on the Barcelona metro network.

Next Steps for Commuters

Passengers should expect full L1 service resumption on 29 August. Real-time updates were available via the TMB service alerts page, where users can subscribe to email or app notifications for future disruptions.

Primary sources: noticies.tmb.cat, tmb.cat, gentmb.tmb.cat. Reported by apdnoticies.com, europapress.es, Alfonso L. Congostrina, Mari Latorre, Àlex Rebollo, Redacción COPE Barcelona, Elena Garrido, lavanguardia.com.