Rubí tunnel works triple freight transport times

The railway closure forces trains from Portbou to take a seven-hour route to reach Can Tunis.

Generic image of maintenance works in a railway tunnel with heavy machinery.
IA

Generic image of maintenance works in a railway tunnel with heavy machinery.

The closure of the Rubí tunnel for improvement works over seven weeks has caused a major logistical impact, forcing freight trains to take seven-hour journeys between Portbou and Can Tunis.

The infrastructure, a key point for Iberian-gauge freight traffic in Vallès Occidental, will remain out of service for nearly two months. According to Adif data, this interruption forces convoys to travel 521 kilometers, significantly more than the usual 192-kilometer route.
The business association Pimec has warned of negative consequences for international transport and the operations of the Port of Barcelona. The organization highlighted the fragility of the railway system, which is already facing ongoing issues within the Rodalies commuter network.
Additionally, the association has asked the Government for measures to mitigate rising fuel prices caused by instability in the Middle East. Following a meeting with President Salvador Illa, a permanent working group has been established to monitor the economic impact.