The passageway connecting lines L1 and L3 at the Plaça Catalunya station, in the heart of Barcelona, will be closed this summer to carry out a comprehensive renovation and the removal of hazardous materials.
Although the exact start and end dates have not yet been set, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) expects the work to last two months, between June and September, coinciding with the period of lowest passenger traffic on the metro network.
Asbestos removal and structural renovation
The main reason for this closure is the need to remove the asbestos-containing cladding present at the station. As detailed by TMB, although the material is currently in good condition and does not pose an immediate health risk, current regulations require the removal of this mineral from all public infrastructure by 2028.
Taking advantage of the work, the company will carry out a complete renovation of the tunnel. The project has been awarded to a joint venture (JV) composed of Acsa and Infraestructuras Trade, with a total budget of 1.5 million euros.
Alternatives for passengers
During the eight weeks the work is expected to last, passengers needing to transfer between the red line (L1) and the green line (L3) at this key hub in the city will have to exit the station and transfer on the street.
The operator notesthat the final schedules are being adjusted to minimize the impact on users as much as possible, which is why the summer period has been chosen to carry out the work.
Other service disruptions on the network
This project at Plaça Catalunya coincides with other infrastructure improvements on the Barcelona metro system. Currently, the connecting passageway between lines L1 and L5 at Plaça de Sants station is also out of service.
In the latter case, the closure is part of a project to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility, which includes the installation of new elevators and the expansion of the concourse. It is estimated that the Sants station will not reopen until spring 2027.
