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The Tour de France will close key Barcelona streets in July
Barcelona will have to reorganise mobility for several days because of the Tour de France's arrival. On 2, 4 and 5 July, different parts of the city will face road closures, diversions and restrictions affecting residents, workers, visitors, taxis, buses and private vehicles.
The first major impact will come on 2 July, with the presentation of the teams. The area around the Sagrada Família, the Sant Pau Modernist complex and Avinguda Gaudí will be affected by the set-up, the presence of the public and the planned closures from the previous evening.
The installation of barriers and structures will begin before the event itself, so the effects will not be limited to a few hours. Those who live, work or need to pass through this area should anticipate changes to access, parking, terraces and usual traffic.
4 July will be the most difficult day for getting around Barcelona. The team time trial will cross the city from Parc del Fòrum to Montjuïc and will require the closure of important routes along the coast, in the Eixample and around Plaça d’Espanya.
Avinguda del Litoral, Carrer d’Aragó, Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Via and access routes towards Montjuïc will be among the most sensitive points. There will also be restrictions on the Ronda Litoral, especially at entrances and exits close to the route, which may alter journeys between Besòs, the centre and the port area.
On 5 July, the second stage will again concentrate a large part of the effects in Montjuïc and Plaça d’Espanya. The route includes entry via Collblanc and several urban sections before the stage finish, so traffic will be restricted during the afternoon and parking will be prohibited in areas along the route from the previous day.
Public transport will also be modified. Some bus routes will have diversions or interruptions, while the metro will be the most reliable option for crossing the city during the hours of greatest disruption. Even so, stations close to the route may see more passengers than usual.
The Tour will be an opportunity for international visibility and a sporting celebration in the street, but also an everyday challenge. Anyone who needs to get around on those days should check routes, leave with time to spare and accept that for a few hours the city will operate to the rhythm of the race.