Reus City Council will start preliminary work on Monday, 4 May, to transform Astorga Street into a civic axis. This project, designed to enhance connectivity and green infrastructure in the city, will be carried out in two phases over approximately one year.
The first phase, beginning next week, covers Astorga Street from the Sant Bernat Calvó avenue roundabout to Terenci Moix Street, as well as Escultor Sunyol and Papallona streets. The contract for this phase was awarded to the UTE formed by CCDL Baix Camp-Tarragonès for €1,778,977.54. The second phase, which will extend Astorga Street from Terenci Moix Street to the Mediterrani avenue roundabout, is currently awaiting project approval. It has a tender budget of €1,847,425.10 and is expected to start in the summer, according to Reus officials.
Funding and Mobility Plan
The overall project has secured significant funding. This includes a €2,192,599.90 subsidy from the Catalan Government's Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition, as part of the Catalonia Neighbourhoods and Towns Plan 2025-2029. A second grant of €789,900 comes from the Catalan Government's Single Plan for Works and Services of Catalonia 2025-2029, with an additional €850,160.42 from the Tarragona Provincial Council under the ImpulsDipta Plan.
To minimise disruption for residents, Reus City Council has prepared a mobility plan. This plan includes alternative routes for affected bus lines, alternative parking options, and clear signage for traffic diversions.
Project Goals and Features
The reurbanisation project aims to improve connections between the southern area and the city centre, extending to the railway station. It promotes more sustainable and accessible mobility, encouraging bicycle use and improving public transport routes. The civic axis will connect adjacent streets, green areas, and facilities.
The proposal also moves towards a greener city by increasing vegetation, re-naturalising spaces, and integrating new and existing trees. New green areas for resting, socialising, and play will be created. The project also includes renovating the street lighting to improve public comfort.
Key features of the remodelling include:
Expanded Pedestrian Spaces
One important aspect is the expansion of pedestrian areas, with new pavements two to three times wider than current ones. These pavements will have a minimum width of 1.8 metres and will connect with new green spaces. Street intersections will be 'calmed', and some will have vehicle traffic removed to create new landscaped pedestrian areas.
More Greenery
The new pavements are designed to preserve and expand existing trees. This commitment to a greener city will see 100 new trees, 3,000 shrubs, and 8,000 plants planted. These additions will create shaded resting areas, helping to reduce the impact of heat.
Traffic and Cycle Lane Modifications
The road will feature one vehicle lane for each direction of travel. A central, two-way cycle lane will be positioned between these lanes, bordered by two landscaped strips. These strips will enhance quality and safety with a natural solution. Bus stops will remain in place along the road.
Traffic calming measures will be implemented on Escultor Sunyol and Papallona streets, which will become single-platform areas prioritising pedestrians. The removal of the Escultor Sunyol-Astorga intersection will create a new square in front of the Primary Care Centre (CAP). Narrow pavements will be eliminated along the street, improving accessibility to residences and facilities. Similar changes will occur with the removal of roundabouts and intersections at Terenci Moix-Capafons, Milà i Fontanals-Astorga, Frederic Urdiales-Astorga, and Astorga-Navarra, where new squares and green resting areas will be created.
Improved Lighting and Urban Furniture
One hundred and twenty new lighting points will be installed to ensure correct and uniform illumination. The lighting system will be modernised with new double-arm streetlights featuring energy-efficient LEDs. New urban furniture, including over 100 benches and chairs, will also be installed to encourage community use of the street.
Increased Drainage Surfaces
The project will increase drainage surfaces to improve water capacity and response during intense rainfall. This measure addresses the current and future challenges of climate change, according to Reus officials.
The transformation of Astorga Street represents a significant investment in Reus's urban infrastructure, aiming to create a more connected, green, and accessible city for its residents.
