The Barcelona orbital line (Catalan: línia orbital) is a railway project forming part of both the Pla d'infraestructures de Catalunya (PITC),[n 1] a long-term development plan due for completion in 2026, and the Pla de transport de viatgers de Catalunya (PTVC),[n 2] a short-term plan due for completion in 2012. In following perimeter routes the orbital line and another railway project, the Eix Transversal Ferroviari de Catalunya,[n 3] are the first railway schemes to depart from the radial system developed so far in the Barcelona area.[1]

Barcelona orbital line
Overview
Other name(s)Fourth railway bypass
Native namelínia orbital
StatusIn development
OwnerAuthority: ATM Barcelona
LocaleMunicipality:26
Alt Penedès, Baix Llobregat, Garraf, Maresme, Vallès Occidental and Oriental
Termini
  • Vilanova i la Geltrú
  • Mataró
Stations39
(23 new stations)
Service
Typecommuter rail
History
First service2016
Technical
Line length120 kilometres (75 mi)
(68 kilometres (42 mi) new)
Track gauge1,668 mm (5 ft 5+2132 in)
Operating speed60 km/h (37 mph)
Route map

2016
R2 to
Sant Vicenç
de Calders
connection with R2
Vilanova Oest
Vilanova i
la Geltrú
Vilanova Centre
Vilanova Est
connection with R2
Garraf P&R
Sitges
connection with R2
Sitges Llevant
Sant Pere
de Ribes
│ Sant Camil
Canyelles
R4 to el Vendrell
AVE Vilafranca-TAV
Vilafranca del Penedès
La Granada
Lavern-Subirats
Sant Sadurní d'Anoia
Gelida
R4 to Martorell
Martorell Oest
Martorell FGC /
Martorell Nord
Martorell Polígon
/ Seat
Abrera
Esparreguera
Viladecavalls Sud
R4 to Manresa
Terrassa Can Boada
Terrassa
Terrassa Est
Sabadell Can Llong
Sabadell Nord
Sabadell Centre
Sabadell Sud
Can Llobet
Santiga
Santa Perpètua
(Folguerola)
Mollet - Santa Rosa
Parets del Vallès
Montmeló Nord
R3 to Vic
Granollers
R2 to Sant Celoni
Granollers Sud (La Torreta)
La Roca del Vallès
Argentona
Mataró Oest
Mataró Nord
connection with R1
Mataró
Mataró Centre
connection with R1
Mataró Est

Also known as the Quart cinturó ferroviari,[n 4] the orbital line will connect Rodalies Barcelona services between Vilanova i la Geltrú and Mataró via a 119 kilometres (74 mi) line passing through Granollers, Sabadell, Terrassa, Martorell and Vilafranca del Penedès, but avoiding the actual city of Barcelona. Some sections will make use of existing track belonging to Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (Adif) and operated by Renfe Operadora, whilst 68 km of track - of which 46 kilometres (29 mi) in tunnels - and 23 new stations will be constructed.[1]

Orbital line within Catalonia.

Notes

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  1. ^ Catalonia infrastructure plan
  2. ^ Catalonia passenger transport plan
  3. ^ Catalan transversal railway line
  4. ^ Fourth railway bypass

References

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  1. ^ a b LA VANGUARDIA. Especials la Vanguardia: Grandes obras de progreso para Cataluña, 2008.