Project in Development Phase

The Catalan government, known as the Generalitat, is studying the construction of a new cycle bridge over the AP-7 motorway to connect Girona and Sant Gregori. The move aims to complete a safe, segregated cycling route between the two municipalities, allowing cyclists to avoid sharing space with motorised traffic. The initiative falls under the first pillar of the Catalan Bicycle Strategy, which promotes cycling alternatives for daily commutes along high-demand corridors under ten kilometres in length.

Design Work Underway

The Generalitat has launched a tender for the drafting of the construction project, with a budget of €182,329.38. Only one company, Parma Ingeniería SL, submitted a bid. The successful firm will have nine months to finalise the design.

  • The study will determine whether to build a new footbridge or widen the existing GI-531 structure over the AP-7.
  • The proposed route is approximately between kilometre points 4+100 and 3+550 on the GI-531 road.
  • While the targeted infrastructure length is cited as around two kilometres, the distance between those points is about 550 metres, meaning the final alignment remains to be confirmed.

The new path must provide a minimum width of three metres and ensure "effective, fast and safe" mobility between the towns.

The project must prioritise safety at intersections with roads and paths, given the GI-531 carries around 13,000 vehicles daily, including 10% heavy goods vehicles.

Part of Broader Sustainable Mobility Push

Current cycling routes between Girona and Sant Gregori exist but are indirect. The new project aims to create a more direct and parallel path to the GI-531. The Girona city council previously rehabilitated a greenway section near the Nestlé factory and the Ter river, contributing to existing links. The total estimated cost for building the infrastructure is €2.84 million. The design phase will assess how best to cross the motorway while minimising impact on agricultural land, with initial sections planned along the northern side of the GI-531.

Primary sources: govern.cat, xarxes. Reported by Josep Coll, Núria Astorch, lavanguardia.com, G. Busquets Ros, Jordi Ferrer, viesverdes.cat, Diari de Girona.