The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition of the Generalitat de Catalunya will close the metro corridor connecting lines L1 and L5 at Plaça de Sants in Barcelona from 27 April, initiating a 30-month closure for accessibility upgrades.
This essential restriction, part of a €15.2 million investment, will remain in place until spring 2027 to adapt the infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. The closure will affect approximately 12,000 daily transfers at this key connection point, requiring users to find alternative routes via the exterior or other network stations.
Works, which began in February, involve creating a new vestibule by expanding the existing one and installing three new lifts. One lift will connect with the street, while the other two will provide access to platforms and the L1 corridor.
Major Accessibility Upgrades Planned
The technical project also includes raising platforms to eliminate the height difference with trains and installing tactile paving for visually impaired travellers. Additionally, two new emergency exits will be constructed, and the main access to Plaça de Sants will be enlarged.
These improvements are a fundamental part of completing the adaptation of an interchange that serves 55,000 users daily. According to the Catalan government, 96.3% of Barcelona's metro network is currently accessible, with 157 adapted stations.
Broader Network Accessibility Goals
The Generalitat will soon draft the remaining projects for full accessibility at Verdaguer, Urquinaona, and the L1 section of Plaça de Sants stations. The overall investment to achieve complete access across the entire railway infrastructure is projected to reach €109 million.
In parallel with the station works, the Generalitat will coordinate with Barcelona City Council to develop an urbanisation project for the surface area, ensuring the new station elements integrate seamlessly into the plaza's design.
