The metropolitan areas of Barcelona and Tarragona begin a particular separation that will test the patience of passengers who want to go from one city to another in the coming months, when the train tracks between the two cities will suffer a significant interruption because of the works to expand the tunnel in Roda de Berà, to adapt it to the gauge of the Mediterranean Corridor.
The works, which will cut the direct connection between the two cities, will be one of the biggest impacts on the Regional and Rodalies de Catalunya network, which is already experiencing daily sustained tension.
We explain everything you need to know to be aware of the effects.
How long will the works last?
The works to enlarge the tunnel in Roda de Berà to adapt it to the track gauge of the Mediterranean Corridor will start this Tuesday and will last until March 2025.
The intervention is part of the deployment of the Mediterranean Freight Corridor . The works include the implementation of a third rail to allow the mixed use of standard and Iberian gauge. In addition, work will be carried out to lower the tunnel gradient, replace catenaries and tracks, reinforce the support and waterproof the tunnel. The total cost amounts to 16 million euros.
Which lines will be affected?
The works will interrupt service between Tarragona and Sant Vicenç de Calders, affecting more than 12,000 passengers daily who use lines R14, R15, R16, R16, R17 and RT2 to travel to Barcelona from the south of Catalonia.
What alternatives do users have?
Renfe has designed an Alternative Transport Plan that has, in essence, two legs. On the one hand, it includes the use of shuttle buses in the case of users going from or coming to Tarragona. These will serve to bridge the distance to Sant Vicenç de Calders from Tarragona, but also from l’Hospitalet de l’Infant, Vila-seca-Cambrils and Salou-Port Aventura.
In the case of users from Reus, it is suggested to make a detour by train through the interior. To do this, lines R14 and R15, which pass through Reus, will be diverted by the line that connects Sant Vicenç de Calders with Valls and La Plana-Picamoixons, where you can resume the route in both directions. This lengthens the route but avoids transfers by road.