The Marina bridge finally gets renovated after years hidden under nets in Barcelona

The Marina bridge, a key part of mobility in Barcelona, is beginning its long-awaited renovation after 12 years covered by nets. Work will start in September and aims to restore its splendour in time for its centenary. Traffic will not be stopped during the works.

Those who cross the Marina bridge daily have spent years seeing nets covering its pillars, a reminder of the deterioration of an essential piece of infrastructure for the city. After more than a decade of temporary fixes, the Ayuntamiento de Barcelona has decided to act: in September, the long-awaited full renovation of the viaduct will begin, with the goal of having it looking renewed to celebrate its centenary in 2028.

The bridge, located in the Fort Pienc neighbourhood, connects the Port Olímpic with the Sagrada Família and handles a constant flow of vehicles and cyclists. Since 2014, the original columns from 1928 have been wrapped in mesh to prevent debris from falling, an image that has become a regular part of the urban landscape. Now, the municipal intervention promises to restore and reinforce the structure, finally removing the protections that have defined its silhouette for 12 years.

The renovation, which will be carried out in phases, will allow traffic to remain open at all times. The plan includes longitudinal closures so that there is always at least one lane available in each direction, as well as the two-way cycle lane. In addition to repairing structural damage, the lighting and traffic lights will be renewed, and anti-pigeon nets will be installed under the walkway, where there is a park and sports facilities.

The total budget for the rehabilitation of the Marina bridge amounts to six million euros, as part of a broader municipal investment that also includes the restoration of the Vallcarca bridge and the refurbishment of the façades of the former Renfe workshops in the Clot. The Ayuntamiento de Barcelona justifies the long wait by the high cost and the need to prioritise comprehensive maintenance of the city, which now has a specific plan and resources not seen in previous administrations.

The intervention not only aims to restore the bridge’s original appearance, but also to ensure its durability with preventive maintenance that will extend its useful life. Residents and users will be able to continue crossing the viaduct during the planned 14 months of works, although they will have to adapt to temporary changes in traffic.

The Marina bridge is much more than a thoroughfare: it is part of Barcelona’s urban memory and has witnessed the transformation of its surroundings since its inauguration in 1928. Its design responds to the need to connect two key areas of the city, making access between the coast and the Eixample easier. Over the years, it has withstood growing traffic and the evolution of the neighbourhood, becoming a symbol of mobility in Barcelona. The upcoming renovation is an opportunity to recover its heritage and functional value in the XXI.