Green light for the eagerly awaited renovation of the Pont de Santander, which connects the districts of Sant Martí and Sant Andreu. The project corresponds to a long-standing debt which the city has with local people in this area.

The bridge is currently for vehicles only and the adjacent walkway is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. The work will mean that what has so far been a barrier between the two districts will now become a new accessible bridge, safer and more permeable, promoting travel on foot and by bicycle.

The new infrastructure will have wider pavements of between 3.3 and 4.5 metres, a one-way bike lane on each side, a new pedestrian crossing and one traffic lane in each direction. To achieve this, walkways will be built adjacent to the current bridge, creating more generous spaces.

The current slope in the street will be slightly reduced too, making it more accessible and meaning a gradient no greater than 6%. Fifty new trees and new parterres will also be added to the area, with new street lighting and traffic lights, a renewed watering system and new Wi-Fi points.

Initially approved by the Government Commission, the project has a budget of 9.92 million euros. Work should start in September and be completed in 17 months.

A citizen initiative which reached the Full Council

The Full Council unanimously approved a citizen initiative in December 2019, whereby the municipal government would start the process for the building project for the bridge.

The initiative was able to be presented thanks to the 4,458 valid signatures collected to demand the renovation of the bridge, allowed for under the regulation on citizen participation. The initiative was backed by the promoting commission, made up of the following local residents’ associations: Associació de Veïns i Veïnes Sant Martí de Provençals, Associació de Veïns i Veïnes Trajana, Associació de Veïns La Palmera Centro, AVV La Pau and AVV Verneda Alta. Two of those promoting the project defended it before the city’s councillors.

A city model that unites neighbourhoods

The renovation of the bridge forms part of the city model being developed through the Barcelona Superblock plan, which includes measures to reconnect neighbourhoods which have historically been separated by urban barriers and scars.

The project will help add vitality to the area of local industrial estates here and open up the city to the Besòs, another firm commitment and goal for the municipal government.