The works, which began at the end of April, already reveal the layout of the new path. According to sources from the Sub-delegation of the Government in Tarragona, the forecast is that it will be completed next September. The track, about 700 meters long, is already defined in its entirety.
From the entrance of Arrabassada beach, the path runs parallel to the access road for vehicles to the preventorium complex. Subsequently, it heads towards the area of the old buildings, bordering the facilities until it reaches near the train tracks, where it will connect with the Savinosa promenade. This connection is one of the pending actions for the final stage of the works.
A project modification agreed upon at the end of February substantially changed the route, moving it away from the coastline to bring it closer to the buildings. However, these changes have not convinced environmental organizations. During a recent site visit, the spokesperson for SOS Costa i Camp de Tarragona, Lluís Estamariu, expressed his concern about the future path.
“"We continue to note that we do not understand the 4.4-meter width, when on other coastal paths more integrated trails have been made, such as the one that runs between L’Ametlla de Mar and L’Ampolla."
Estamariu laments the "visual impact" of the new infrastructure, especially from the Arrabassada entrance, where the Provincial Council of Tarragona maintains access to the preventorium just a few meters from the new path. "It's a very big impact, because everything will pass through there. They say they need it for emergency vehicles," he added, acknowledging that "we have lost this battle."
Despite the reduction in width from five to 4.4 meters, the environmental group considers the path "excessive," as their initial request was for about three meters. The justification for maintaining the current dimensions was a safety report that required ensuring passage for emergency vehicles. However, modifications were made to the route, moving the path away from some areas with protected vegetation.
These modifications will allow for an increase in the area of land to be opened to the public once the works, scheduled for autumn, are completed. Approximately 26,000 square meters will be freed up, allowing several generations of Tarragona residents to access this privileged space for the first time. Protected plant species, such as limonium, and historical remains from the Civil War will be accessible.
The new fence, which will be 1.80 meters high, will keep the building area inaccessible, awaiting a recovery project since they have been disused since the sixties. New street furniture and lighting will also be installed.
Environmental organizations also request that the coastal path, which will be compacted mortar gravel, be exclusively for pedestrians to avoid coexistence problems with cyclists. This request is directed to the Tarragona City Council, which will receive the concession and be responsible for maintenance once the work is completed. The overall project, with an investment of almost one million euros, has been financed by the Provincial Council of Tarragona, the Central Government, and the local administration.
During the works, the old coastal path connecting the beaches along the rocks will remain closed. The awarded company, Seranco SAU, is progressing well and could even shorten the planned six-month execution period.
