Finally, the Glòries tunnel has an inauguration date. After years of delays and cost overruns, this essential infrastructure for mobility in Barcelona will become operational next Saturday, November 6. It will only do so in the Besòs-bound tunnel, pending the completion of the last details of the Llobregat-bound one, such as the signaling wiring or the installation of cameras. This second tunnel is expected to open early next year. The final budget for this project, which began in 2014, amounts to 190 million euros.
Getting here has not been easy at all. Beyond the process involved, with two awards, the Glòries tunnel is one of the most technically difficult works carried out in the city, with some sections at a depth of 25 meters below the plaza's grade. In addition, it has been built below existing railway infrastructures: the L1 metro tunnel; the R2 Rodalies tunnel, and the R1, R3, and R4 tunnels. This has involved constructing the new road tunnel through a process of excavation by successive advances, with the aim of guaranteeing minimal deformation of the upper railway tunnels and not affecting their structure. It has also been excavated below several collectors of the sewage network and service galleries.
The future Glòries tunnel consists of two independent tubes with one-way traffic, with two lanes for private vehicles and one for public transport in each direction. It will be the first bus lane enabled in a city tunnel, with the same scheme for both exit and entry, allowing continuity to the one already existing at the city entrance and extending it to Rambla del Poblenou at the exit. Likewise, it has a total length of 957 meters, which increases to 1,156 meters if access ramps are included.
The works carried out in Glòries allow traffic to be buried, generating space for citizens on the surface. Without cars, residents will be able to enjoy a large green area. The first phase of the new Glòries park was inaugurated in April 2019, with 20,400 square meters. This September, the Clariana part has also been opened to the public, with one hectare of lawn and a space with sun loungers, tables, chairs, and parasols.
Mobility modifications with the opening of the first tunnel
Looking ahead to next weekend, the City Council plans to launch the infrastructure in the Besòs direction on Friday night into Saturday. Late on Friday, the Urban Guard will begin traffic diversions and work will start on implementing the new road configuration. If the weather is good, it is expected to finish them overnight, at which point the first vehicles will be able to access. Work is underway to ensure the tunnel is fully operational around 6 AM on Saturday.
This opening of the tunnel in the Besòs direction will entail some mobility modifications. Starting next Saturday, access to the tunnel will be from Gran Via, at the height of Padilla street. The tunnel will serve all vehicles going in the direction of Badalona and Mataró (C-31) or those who need to take the Bilbao street exit.
As for traffic in the area, mobility will be articulated through the streets around Glòries park. Specifically, one will have to drive through Castillejos street (sea direction), Bolívia street (Besòs direction), Badajoz/Independència street (mountain direction) and Aragó street (Llobregat direction).