Extension works for L8 FGC line set to begin in January

Works to extend the L8 line of the Ferrocarrils (FGC) commuter rail route are set to begin on January 8.

The new route will connect the Vallès and Llobregat-Anoia lines between Plaça Espanya and Gràcia, stopping at the new Hospital Clínic and Francesc Macià stations, covering the 4 km stretch in seven minutes.

The line is expected to greatly improve Barcelona's connectivity. According to calculations from the Department of Territory, the new route will benefit 70,000 users daily, and up to 19 million riders a year.

Three new stations

Marc Sanglas, the Secretary of Mobility and Infrastructures, said the project is "highly socially beneficial" because it will significantly improve the lives of those who travel to and from Barcelona every day.

But the project will also enhance connectivity within Barcelona by introducing three new stations.

These include Hospital Clínic, featuring an interchange with metro L5; Francesc Macià, connecting with Trambaix; and Gràcia, providing a link to the Barcelona Vallès line.

Additionally, Plaça Espanya and the existing Gràcia station will undergo renovations.

Five key areas under construction

The start of the construction will result in the first interventions in five areas of the city: between Plaça Espanya and Avinguda Paral·lel, at the intersections of Comte d'Urgell and Consell de Cent, Rosselló, between Buenos Aires and Plaça Francesc Macià; and in the area of Gal·la Placídia and Travessera de Gràcia.

Completion forecast: 2029-2030

Although construction will begin next year, tunneling is expected to begin in late 2025 and take approximately 2.5 years, with the entire project expected to be completed between 2029 and 2030. 

The total project will cost €412 million, of which €300 million will be used to build the tunnel.