Barcelona's La Rambla renovation work begins - Check all disruptions here
€55 million project will make boulevard greener and more pedestrian-friendly by 2027
Renovation work on Barcelona's iconic La Rambla boulevard began on Monday.
The renovation is expected to be completed in January 2027, taking three years instead of the originally planned six.
The €55 million renovation will result in a completely new La Rambla, more comfortable, greener and more pedestrian-friendly, according to the city council.
When the work is completed, there will be a single lane in each direction and more space for pedestrians.
Phased work to minimize disruption
When Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni took office last year, he revised the renovation plan for La Rambla, reducing the project timeline from six to three years.
Instead of renovating in sections as originally planned, Collboni opted to work on the entire street simultaneously.
However, the project was divided into three phases to minimize disruption for neighbors and local businesses.
Phase 1 and 2: Traffic lanes
During the first two phases, lasting around two years, traffic will only be allowed on one side of the boulevard heading towards Plaça Catalunya.
For the first ten months, traffic will be on the Llobregat side of the boulevard, which currently flows towards the sea, but will be redirected uphill towards Plaça Catalunya.
In the following phase, traffic will switch to the Besòs side of the boulevard, also directed uphill towards Plaça Catalunya.
As before, traffic will be limited to residents, buses, taxis, hotel access, and goods distribution at designated times.
Phase 3: Central walkway
In the final year of the renovation, during the last phase, traffic will be reopened on both sides.
Renovation work will focus on the central walkway, alternating sections to ensure pedestrian access.
Regarding terraces, disruptions will only occur during the last year of the project, affecting the central walkway and lasting between one and two months.
Access to homes, businesses, parking, and the passage of service and emergency vehicles will be guaranteed at all times.