Refurbishing Les Planes railway station in Barcelona

Les Planes FGC station was built in 1918 and displayed extensive age-related signs of wear and tear. The work included removing the metal canopy, improving accessibility by constructing a ramp and stone wall and refurbishing the platform.  

The building’s metal canopy was causing cracks in the outer wall, and as it was not an original feature it was removed. Structural reinforcement using micropiles was also carried out.  

Various defects in the roof’s timber beams were treated and the original timber joinery was repaired. The exposed brickwork was enhanced and the outer wall painted. Inside, the original appearance of the entrance hall was restored by redoing the stucco on the walls and the fresh lime stucco wainscoting. 

At the station’s main entrance, the stairs were removed and two ramps were built with an acid-washed concrete finish rounded off with a stone wall bordering the road. 

The platform on track 4 was upgraded in line with the track clearance and heights specified by FGC to accommodate the features of its new trains. A new piece of platform edging was laid and paved with acid-washed concrete. 

Challenges in the project 

Power to the overhead line had to be cut off for safety reasons in order to remove the canopy as it is very close to the track. This was done at night so as not to disrupt the operation of passenger trains. 

The station entrance stairs were next to the road and so they had to be demolished and a new ramp and stone wall built. These works involved closing one lane of the road and relocating the bus stop for a month and a half.