The second and final stage of the work to connect the Trambaix and Trambesòs systems is a step closer. The final project is now ready for the reurbanisation of Av. Diagonal between Verdaguer and Francesc Macià, setting out the urban changes needed to make the project a reality and give the avenue more pedestrian space, green areas and sustainable transport.
The reurbanisation project for the second stage of the work in Av. Diagonal will allow for further progress in the procedure for the connection and for the work to be carried out within the established time frame. This is one of the three projects needed to complete the link between the tram systems. The municipal government has almost completed another final project, also needed for the connection: the new trunk sewer to be installed in this same section of the avenue, with a budget of 59.2 million euros.
The provision is that both projects can be initially approved before the year is out, with definitive approval to be given in the spring of 2025. In parallel, the Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) will have to process the project for the tram infrastructure and installations, including the three new stops of Diagonal/Cinc d’Oros, Balmes and Casanova.
Once the three documents have made their way through the administrative process, approval will be needed for the next budgets by the City Council and the Government of Catalonia for the work to start and the calendar established. The work is expected to take around 40 months.
The work corresponding to the first stage of the project to connect the two networks between Glòries and Verdaguer is at an advanced stage. Testing is currently under way, with this section expected to come into service in the autumn of 2024. In addition, this summer sees the newly reurbanised space in Av. Diagonal come into use between C/ Castillejos and Pg. Sant Joan.
A Diagonal with more pedestrian space, greenery and sustainable transport
The main goal of the final project for the reurbanisation of Av. Diagonal is to continue the transformation of the avenue, giving it more pedestrian space, greenery and sustainable transport, with the inclusion of the tram and greater prominence for bicycles.
The work consists of a section of 2.8 kilometres and covers an area of 114,688 square metres. The proposal is for a spatial reorganisation of the current uses, providing an additional 16,000 square metres of pedestrian space and a further 18,900 square metres of green space, plus a total of 8,700 square metres of cycling space (1,800 square metres more than at present).
The reurbanisation entails an investment of 55 million euros and consists of three sections, with different work in each:
- Section 1 Passeig de Gràcia – Passeig de Sant Joan: providing continuity for the section already completed in stage 1, with wider pavements, a central section with the tram track and a two-way bike lane, plus two traffic lanes in each direction in the side lanes.
- Section 2 Passeig de Gràcia – Plaça de Francesc Macià: respecting the revamp from 2015, with the current pavements to be kept intact and work only to affect the central section, giving continuity to the previous section, with the tram track and the bike lane in the centre and traffic lanes at the sides.
- Section 3 Plaça de Francesc Macià – Avinguda de Sarrià: pavements in the square to be renewed, alterations to the bike lane so it goes all the way around and spatial reorganisation of the lanes in the central section where Av. Diagonal reaches the square, enlarging the tram stop and turning it into a tram and bus interchange.