The understanding with the ERC municipal group will enable the urban construction projects for Av. Diagonal to be fast-tracked, also helping round off the agreement with the Metropolitan Transport Authority (ATM) on the execution of work to link up the two tram systems and the subsequent public management of the tram network. The construction work in the street is a prior step to the connection of the tram lines and should get under way in the autumn of 2021.
An agreement setting out the commitments of each public administration and the ATM means that with the necessary investment the connection of the two tram systems in Av. Diagonal is now possible. An agreement has been reached with the ATM to fund the first section in the avenue, between Glòries and Verdaguer, and for the second stage to be executed once work on the first section concludes. A commitment guaranteeing the public management of the tram network has also been established. The work for the first stage of the connection will cost 56 million euros. The agreement will be debated and voted on in December’s full council meeting.
Two construction projects in Av. Diagonal
As a prior step to link up the tram system, the first two construction projects for Av. Diagonal will be processed immediately by the Commission for Urban Ecology, Urban Planning and Mobility. One of these projects is for the stretch of the avenue between Passeig de Sant Joan and Carrer de Los Castillejos, divided into two sections. Firstly, between Passeig de Sant Joan and Carrer de La Marina, where the central part of the avenue will get a tram platform and a two-way bike lane, with side pavements to be widened from 3 to 7.5 metres. The number of traffic lanes will be cut to two in each direction here, located along the sides of the avenue.
Secondly, a central pedestrian strip and a two-way bike lane will be maintained between Carrer de La Marina and Carrer de Los Castillejos, with green side strips to be widened to 1.5 metres. Road surfaces along the sides of the avenue will have one traffic lane and pavements are to be widened from 3 to 7.5 metres.
The second project consists of developing part of the Parc de la Canòpia in Plaça de les Glòries, affecting a space of 40,725 square metres which the tram with run through. This area will become a large accessible open-plan space, improving connectivity between local neighbourhoods and featuring an interchange for public transport, pergolas with solar panelling, gardens and biodiversity spaces.
The overall budget for the two projects is 56.2 million euros. Work is expected to get under way in the autumn of 2021.