After three years of works and an investment of more than 38 million euros (and a real treasure in the form of archaeological finds), the transformation of Via Laietana is now a reality. From next Sunday, June 29, the lower section between Antoni Maura and Idrissa Diallo squares will be definitively opened, with the recovery of the upward direction along the entire route, from Passeig de Colom to Urquinaona.
The new road features wider sidewalks, more greenery and fewer cars, and seeks to reinforce sustainable mobility, local commerce and the connection between the Gòtic and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera neighborhoods. Emblematic spaces such as Plaça de l’Àngel and the Correos-Idrissa Diallo complex have also been renovated, and now have more pedestrian areas and trees.
A citizens’ party to inaugurate the transformation
Like the chocolatada to inaugurate Les Glòries, throughout Sunday June 29, between 10:30 am and 6:00 pm, Via Laietana will be filled with workshops, family activities and music, inviting all citizens to discover the new look of this historic artery of Ciutat Vella.
What have been the main reforms
The reform has involved:
-
Widened sidewalks up to 4 meters wide.
-
A segregated uphill bike lane.
-
An exclusive uphill lane for buses, cabs and authorized residents.
-
Two downhill lanes: one for bus-taxi-bike and another for general traffic at 30 km/h.
-
New crosswalks and improved lighting.
-
Redevelopment of squares with a single platform and more trees.
Public transport returns to normal on Via Laietana: which buses can you take?
From Monday June 30, several bus lines will be reorganized:
-
Bus 47 and neighborhood bus 120 go back up Via Laietana.
-
The lines V15 and V17 will be maintained in descending direction.
The uphill lane will have restricted access, with license plate control by cameras from autumn onwards. Only residents, services and users with origin or destination within the restricted area will be able to use it: hotels, parking lots, workshops, the Mercat de Santa Caterina or delivery drivers registered in the SPRO app.
Upcoming actions pending
In the coming months, work will continue on the streets of Fusteries and Àngel Baixeres, included in the project, pending archaeological interventions. It is also planned to pave the intersection with the Colom and Isabel II avenues at the end of July and plant the remaining trees in autumn, when weather conditions permit.