Catalonia urban projects: Igualada train undergrounding and Barcelona's Rambla renovation

Major urban renovation projects are progressing in Catalonia. In Igualada, Mayor Marc Castells announced the commencement of the first phase of the Passeig Verdaguer reform following the summer. A significant long-term goal of the project is the undergrounding of the train line, a demand held for 50 years. The Generalitat has awarded the contract to the Acciona-Copcisa UTE, with works expected to last 30 months. During construction, the R6 rail line will terminate at Vilanova del Camí, supplemented by bus services to Igualada.

In Barcelona, the rehabilitation of La Rambla is entering its final stages after nearly five years of work. The project, which began at the Colón section in 2022, is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027. The renovation aims to prioritize pedestrian space over vehicle traffic. While some residents support the modernization, local businesses and citizens have expressed concerns regarding the impact of ongoing construction and changes to the street's traditional aesthetics.