Overview

• The 12 m-diameter, 200 t cutterhead manufactured by Herrenknecht arrived at the Port of Barcelona and was lowered into the 70 m-deep Mandri shaft this week.
• Technicians have begun assembling the TBM’s new head as part of a €12 million replacement and refurbishment project.
• Authorities plan to resume excavation in autumn to cover the remaining 1.6 km to Lesseps and finish the central section within 12 months.
• Completing the tunnel will connect the disconnected L9 Nord and Sud segments and improve service for neighborhoods long underserved by rail.
• The Generalitat de Catalunya and Barcelona City Council remain committed to opening four new L9 Nord stations by the end of 2027 as part of the wider network expansion.