SOCOTEC has contributed to the new tram section
Barcelona is launching a new tram section that connects Plaça de Glòries and Plaça Verdaguer, marking a milestone in the city's sustainable mobility.
This project, under the construction management of SOCOTEC in the UTE DO TRAM DIAGONAL, stands out for being the first in Spain to implement a floor feed system (APS), an innovative technology that eliminates the need for catenary and improves urban aesthetics.
The new section, of about 2 kilometres, is part of the T4 line of the TramBesòs and has involved an investment of 63 million euros.
With four new strategically located stops (Glòries, Monumental, Sicília and Verdaguer), this service offers a fast and efficient connection between the two points, with an estimated travel time of just 7 minutes. It is estimated that it will serve around 24,000 passengers a day, helping to reduce traffic and encourage the use of public transport.
A pioneering APS system in Spain
The APS system works by supplying power only to the lanes occupied by the vehicle, eliminating any risk when not in use. This technology, in addition to improving urban aesthetics, facilitates the integration of the tram into the environment and reduces maintenance costs.
LINEAR PROJECTS
Integrated engineering in all phases
As Amadeu Abril, head of construction management at SOCOTEC, highlighted, 'Our extensive experience in railway projects and the implementation of BIM have allowed us to offer comprehensive engineering for this new tram section.
From design to weld inspections, we have guaranteed the quality and efficiency of the work, complying with the highest standards of safety and sustainability. Digitalisation has been key to optimising processes, detecting possible interferences and ensuring reliable operation of the new tram.
As Amadeu Abril, head of construction management at SOCOTEC, highlighted, 'Our extensive experience in railway projects and the implementation of BIM have allowed us to offer comprehensive engineering for this new tram section.
From design to weld inspections, we have guaranteed the quality and efficiency of the work, complying with the highest standards of safety and sustainability. Digitalisation has been key to optimising processes, detecting possible interferences and ensuring reliable operation of the new tram.
"La coordinación BIM ha sido fundamental para gestionar de forma centralizada y en tiempo real toda la información del proyecto, facilitando la coordinación entre los 9 lotes del proyecto y todos los agentes involucrados. Esta metodología ha garantizado la transparencia en la gestión del proyecto para Àrea de Transport Metropolità y ha sentado las bases para la integración con un modelo GIS, permitiendo una gestión de datos aún más eficiente y en tiempo real."
The transformation of Glorias is still underway
The inauguration of this new section represents an important step towards the complete connection of the Trambaix and Trambesòs tram networks through the Diagonal. In the long term, this connection is expected to create a more extensive and efficient tram network, further improving mobility throughout the city.
At the same time, the remodelling works of Plaça de les Glòries are progressing at a good pace, where the SOCOTEC team is also participating in the construction management work.
Once completed, citizens will be able to enjoy a completely renovated and better connected public space.
Driving sustainable mobility and urban transformation
SOCOTEC Commitment
