Plaça de Sants Metro Corridor Closes for Accessibility Works

The connecting corridor between metro lines L1 and L5 at Plaça de Sants station in Barcelona will close from 27 April 2024 until spring 2027 as part of major accessibility upgrade works. This first phase of the project, led by the Catalan government's Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, aims to adapt the interchange for people with reduced mobility.

The works, which began in February, represent an investment of €15.2 million and have an estimated completion period of 30 months. The closure of the corridor is essential to allow for its widening and adaptation, according to officials. During this period, metro users will need to utilise alternative routes outside the station or via other stations on the network.

The Plaça de Sants interchange handles approximately 12,000 transfers between the L1 and L5 lines on an average weekday. Beyond the corridor renovation, the project includes expanding the station's vestibule, installing new lifts, and raising platforms, among other improvements.

Enhancing Barcelona's Metro Network

The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition is also coordinating with Barcelona City Council to draft a project for the future urbanisation of Plaça de Sants. This plan will integrate new metro station elements emerging at surface level, such as station entrances, the lift to the vestibule, and ventilation grilles, into the redesigned public space.

In parallel, the Department is drafting the construction project for improving accessibility at the L1 station, which constitutes the second phase of the Plaça de Sants interchange adaptation. This station serves around 55,000 users daily.

Towards Full Accessibility

Barcelona's metro network currently has 157 adapted stations, representing 96.3% of the total, and the Department is working towards achieving 100% accessibility. Recent completions include the adaptation of Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica (L4) and Clot (L1) stations. Works are also underway to adapt the L4 station at Verdaguer interchange.

Projects for the remaining stations, including Verdaguer L5, Plaça de Sants L1, and Urquinaona (L1 and L4), are currently being drafted. The total planned investment to adapt these remaining stations across the network is €109 million.