Train traffic on the R2 Nord and R3 lines has resumed after a major sinkhole in Vallbona halted service. Adif completed urgent repairs, but speed restrictions remain. Rail disruptions affected thousands of commuters.
Rail service on the R2 Nord and R3 lines in Barcelona has resumed after a week marked by severe disruption caused by a massive sinkhole in Vallbona. On Sunday morning, Rodalies confirmed that trains are once again running between the airport and Maçanet-Massanes, as well as on the regional R11 line to Girona, following emergency repairs by Adif. The restoration comes after days of suspended service that left thousands of commuters seeking alternatives.
The incident began on Wednesday, when a 17-meter-deep, 19-meter-wide sinkhole opened during underground works in Vallbona, near Montcada. The collapse forced the immediate suspension of train traffic between Montcada i Reixac and Sant Andreu, affecting the R2, R2 Nord, and R11 lines. Heavy machinery and construction materials were also swallowed by the hole, prompting a rapid response from infrastructure operator Adif.
By Saturday, Adif had completed the complex task of stabilizing the ground, using 365 cubic meters of concrete and nearly 2,000 cubic meters of mortar pumped around the clock. After verifying the safety of the repaired section with several test runs, Renfe lifted the service suspension early Sunday. However, a temporary speed limit remains in place at the affected site as a precaution, and monitoring of both the railway and nearby buildings will continue.
Meanwhile, the R3 line, which connects L’Hospitalet de Llobregat to Puigcerdà via Barcelona, Granollers, Vic, and Ripoll, also began to recover operations after being halted all day Saturday due to a separate technical fault. Service has now resumed between La Garriga and Puigcerdà, though ongoing construction between Barcelona and La Garriga is set to last until January 2027. Delays persist, and Renfe is maintaining a supplementary bus service between Fabra i Puig and Puigcerdà to support affected passengers.
Adif has reported no further ground movement or structural issues in the area, but the cause of the sinkhole remains undetermined. The regional government had initially expected train circulation to resume only next week, but the rapid completion of repairs allowed for an earlier reopening. The incident highlights ongoing challenges for Catalonia’s rail network, which has faced repeated disruptions in recent years. For example, recent analysis shows Rodalies continues to struggle with punctuality and reliability following previous accidents.
Rail infrastructure in Barcelona and its surroundings is under constant pressure due to high passenger volumes and aging systems. The Vallbona sinkhole underscores the risks associated with major construction projects near active lines. While emergency measures have restored service, the episode serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of critical transport links and the importance of ongoing investment in safety and modernization. Passengers are advised to check for updates, as speed restrictions and minor delays may persist in the coming days.
