The Diagonal collector goes into operation with 70% more capacity

The works to expand the Diagonal collector and improve the functioning of the city's sewage network have come to an end. With the works, which began in November 2020, the hydraulic infrastructure has gone from a maximum flow of 96 cubic meters (m3) per second to 160 m3 per second, a 70% increase in capacity. The action has focused on the section between Paseo de Sant Joan and Girona street, awaiting its future extension to Plaza Francesc Macià.

The works have responded to the need to increase the capacity to transport water in this section of the Diagonal, which reached its maximum during rain episodes. Built at the end of the 19th century, the collector is responsible for collecting and managing wastewater and rainwater generated in the neighborhoods above the avenue.

The duplication of the collector will reduce the risk of flooding and water circulation on the surface in the Diagonal, as well as in its adjacent area. It will also extend the useful life of the sewage system. With the extension to Francesc Macià, the risk of flooding will be further reduced.

The works to expand the Diagonal collector have also been a key step to allow the connection of the tram along the Diagonal, a project that, after many years, has already seen works begin this March. The union of the Trambaix and the Trambesòs could not be considered without first addressing the improvement of this collector, taking into account that, once the tram infrastructure is implemented, it will not be possible to carry out sewage works of this magnitude.

The Barcelona City Council has allocated a total of 7.7 million euros to the works, tendered in February 2020 and executed by BIMSA. The length of the duplication has been 309 meters. The works constitute one of the three main actions included in the Comprehensive Sanitation Master Plan of Barcelona (PDISBA), aimed at adapting the city to the climate emergency and improving urban resilience to torrential rain episodes. The other two are the expansion works of the drainage axis of Vila i Vilà street and that of the rainwater retention tank on Avenida Prim.