A sinkhole caused by recent rains has interrupted train services between Sant Andreu and Montcada i Reixac. Passengers faced delays and alternative transport arrangements as repairs began.
A sinkhole has disrupted train services on the R11 line between Sant Andreu and Montcada i Reixac, affecting thousands of commuters this morning. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM when a train operator announced that due to a sinkhole, trains would terminate at Granollers instead of continuing to Barcelona. This unexpected announcement caught many passengers off guard, leading to confusion at stations along the route.
The Spanish railway infrastructure manager, Adif, confirmed that the sinkhole was caused by heavy rainfall leading to a destabilization of ballast in the area. A spokesperson explained that while this incident is serious, it is not as severe as a previous sinkhole that swallowed a construction crane last July during ongoing underground works in Montcada i Reixac. That earlier event halted train operations for four days.
As a result of today’s disruption, lines R2 and R2 Nord were rerouted southbound between Maçanet-Massanes and Montcada i Reixac. Passengers traveling north from Castelldefels were also affected but could transfer onto the R4 line towards Barcelona. Those on the R11 line coming from Girona had to disembark at Granollers Centre where Renfe set up temporary bus services to transport them back into the city.
Adif’s team quickly mobilized to assess and address the situation on-site. By approximately 5:20 PM, Renfe announced that train services were gradually returning to normal after an exploratory locomotive passed through with a union representative onboard, following safety protocols established after past incidents.
The location of the sinkhole is near Vallbona, close to the border with Montcada i Reixac. Reports from travelers indicated moments of confusion at affected stations where staff struggled to provide clear information about alternative travel options. In Sant Andreu station, passengers arriving by bus from Granollers Centre were directed towards the metro system for further travel into Barcelona.
This latest disruption highlights ongoing challenges faced by rail operators in maintaining service reliability amid adverse weather conditions. Historical data shows that similar weather-related incidents have led to significant service interruptions across various regions in Spain over recent years.
For those needing immediate travel solutions, Renfe advises checking their website or app for real-time updates on service resumption times and alternative routes available until full operations are restored.
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