Summer in Barcelona has that distinctive rhythm of half-lowered blinds, hot asphalt, and streets that breathe a little more calmly. It is also, for purely practical reasons, the time of year when the city takes the opportunity to open up its inner workings and fix what the frenetic pace of winter doesn’t allow for. This time, it’s Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC)’s turn to undergo some maintenance, and it will suspend service between August 11 and 23 on one of its busiest sections.
During that time, trains will not run between the Gràcia and Sarrià stations. The closure will allow for the removal of the traditional track ballast to install a more modern concrete slab, as well as the renovation of the track crossings between Muntaner and La Bonanova. To ensure no one is left stranded partway through their journey, an alternative bus service will be provided to connect the stations affected by the trackwork.
The alternative road route and schedules
While the underground work is underway, passengers can board special buses that will follow the train’s route. This service will make stops at Gràcia, Sant Gervasi, Muntaner, La Bonanova, Les Tres Torres, and, finally, Sarrià.
Although the disruption affects the heart of the network, the rest of the service will strive to maintain normal operations, albeit with some adjustments. Passengers traveling on lines S1 and S2 between Sarrià and Vallès will not notice any changes, as trains will run on their usual schedules. Lines L7 and L12 will also operate at their regular frequencies.
The only section where the schedule will change is the route between Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya. In this area, the maximum frequency will be adjusted to 18 trains per hour in each direction.
Construction in sight on Via Augusta
The improvements to the tunnel will also be noticeable at street level, specifically on Via Augusta. From August 4 through 30, the construction work will require narrowing the roadway and implementing partial lane closures between Madrazo and Ganduxer streets. Cyclists using this route will also need to be vigilant, as the bike lane will be temporarily rerouted in certain sections of the affected area.
