About to turn 37 years in operation, the Rovira tunnel is preparing to undergo the largest comprehensive renovation and modernization work in its history. Barcelona City Council will invest 17.4 million euros to treat structural pathologies in the tunnel and renew a good part of the facilities of this 1.3-kilometer road infrastructure that connects Baix Guinardó with Carmel. These are works that neighborhood entities and technical personnel involved in its construction have been demanding for a long time.
The project approved by the government commission includes everything from the basic renovation of the pavement and lighting to a more complex improvement of waterproofing and drainage, in addition to addressing issues related to structure and safety. Special action will be taken to repair the cracks that cause leaks, in addition to renewing the water management system with drains and collectors in the area of the northern mouth.
In terms of security, three new evacuation galleries will be built that will have a transversal connection with both directions of the tunnel. Antennas will also be installed to provide coverage to the new galleries and a new public address system will be implemented inside the tunnel and new barriers, beacons and traffic lights, as well as information panels, in case traffic has to be closed for any reason.
The action that will now go out to tender also includes the renewal of the pavement, which will be done with a more resistant ultra-thin microagglomerate, and the change of all lighting to LED lights accompanied by an intelligent lighting management system.
The works will begin at the end of the year and will last approximately twelve and a half months, so that at the beginning of 2026 the tunnel should present its new image already completed. The work will be done in phases and mainly at night to minimize the impact on traffic. Even so, in the phases that concentrate most of the reform it will be necessary to partially close the tunnel. It will always be done leaving one of the two directions available alternately (first descending and then ascending) to avoid the total closure of this route.
The renovation of the tunnel will not be an isolated action in a neighborhood that is too often forgotten. “It is the first step in a transformation of the entire Rambla del Carmel area,” according to Mayor Jaume Collboni, who this Saturday wanted to give the investment the importance it deserved and reported on it from the neighborhood instead of from Plaza Sant Jaume.
Just like the Rovira tunnel for cars, this walkway for pedestrians has been crying out for a facelift for many years. For now, the tunnel works will be followed later by others related to a collector that will require raising the boulevard and the City Council wants to take advantage of then to face the next steps that also include urban planning actions and new equipment.
“We want it to gain greenery, shadows, meeting spaces... with the new criteria for adaptation to climate change and the new uses of public space,” Collboni summarized, fulfilling the commitment he had acquired with the neighbors during the electoral campaign. and that would give continuity to the project agreed upon by socialists and commoners with a participatory process during the previous mandate.
