Barcelona is once again transforming several of its main thoroughfares into pedestrian-only areas this weekend, 9 and 10 May, through a new edition of the 'Obrim Carrers' (We Open Streets) initiative. The measure will close some of the city's busiest commercial streets to traffic for most of the day.
From 9am to 8pm on both Saturday and Sunday, vehicles will not be able to use the Creu Coberta–Sants street axis or Gran de Gràcia. This proposal aims to reclaim urban space for residents, encouraging walks, outdoor activities, and more sustainable mobility during spring, according to Metrópoli Abierta.
The initiative also seeks to reduce pollution and ease traffic pressure in specific areas. It will directly affect city mobility, particularly Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) bus services, which will adapt many routes.
Changes in Gràcia and Sants
In the Gràcia district, the full closure of Gran de Gràcia will require traffic reorganisation on routes connecting the upper part of the city with the centre. Buses departing from Plaça del Cinc d’Oros towards the mountain will be diverted via Avinguda Diagonal and Via Augusta, then continuing along Avinguda de la Riera de Cassoles to Plaça Lesseps. While the initiative turns the street into a large pedestrian promenade for the weekend, it also increases traffic on nearby alternative routes.
In the Sants neighbourhood, closures on Creu Coberta and Sants street will again alter a common connection with L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Several main bus lines will be affected. The D20 line will change its route in both directions. Towards Plaça Espanya, buses will travel along Avinguda de Madrid and Carrers Berlín and Numància before rejoining their usual route in Tarragona. Towards Sants, buses will bypass the pedestrian zone via Plaça dels Països Catalans, Passeig de Sant Antoni, and Comtes de Bell-Lloc.
Additionally, the V5 line, heading towards Mare de Déu de Port, will also avoid the Sants commercial axis. It will be diverted via Passeig de Sant Antoni and Consell de Cent during the traffic restriction hours. These changes are part of Barcelona's ongoing efforts to prioritise pedestrian use and reduce vehicle impact in key urban areas.
