TYPSA has won the consultancy and technical assistance tender for the control and surveillance of works to improve the connection between the A-2 and the B-40, between the municipalities of Abrera and Esparreguera, in the province of Barcelona. This project envisages a series of key actions aimed at modernising and strengthening road infrastructure in one of the main lines of communication in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. With an expected duration of 43 months, the work includes interventions aimed at increasing capacity, improving traffic flow, reducing travel times and strengthening road safety.
Figure 1: Location plan of the site area
Currently, the average daily traffic (AADT) in some sections exceeds 100,000 vehicles/day and it is estimated that it could reach 150,000 vehicles/day on the planned horizon, as a result of the commissioning of the section of the B-40 between Olesa de Montserrat and Viladecavalls, currently in the implementation phase.
Figure 2: Elevation and standard sections. Transversal drainage
The construction project is being developed between the municipalities of Abrera and Esparraguera, both belonging to the Baix Llobregat region, and envisages a series of strategic actions that will significantly improve the functionality of the road corridor.
In the municipality of Esparraguera, the most outstanding actions are:
- Expansion of the A-2 motorway in the direction of Lleida, through the execution of an additional third lane. The purpose of this intervention is to increase road capacity and improve the functionality of the section, adapting it to the expected volume of traffic.
- Construction of a pedestrian walkway over the A-2 motorway, aimed at guaranteeing the transverse permeability of the infrastructure and improving safety conditions for pedestrians.
- Improvements to the 580 link, by creating branches and weaving lanes to optimise functionality and strengthen road safety during incorporation and exiting manoeuvres.
- Optimisation of the Olesa (Esparreguera Sur) link, which includes geometric and capacity improvements to respond to the expected increase in light and heavy traffic on the project forecast.
Figure 3: Plan layout. Pedestrian footbridge over A-2
In the municipality of Abrera, the most outstanding actions are:
- Comprehensive adaptation of the A-2/B-40 link, through the expansion of sections and improvement of the connectivity between the two motorways.
- Modernisation of link lanes, with the construction and adaptation of new connections that optimise incorporation and exiting manoeuvres, improving traffic safety and flow.
- Execution of a new bus route in the direction of Lleida, intended to channel parallel movements to the A-2, decongesting the main branches.
- Actions on the access lane in the direction of Barcelona, including refurbishing and improving the route to ensure its functionality within the framework of the new traffic scheme.
- Improvement of the service road in the direction of Barcelona, through specific actions that will allow a more efficient redistribution of local traffic and greater integration with existing roads.
Figure 4: Plan and elevation. Overpass over new collector road
The project envisages various structural actions that reinforce the functionality and safety. Among them, the upper and lower passes, retaining walls and signage, fundamental elements for the continuity of the road network and the integration of the route into its environment.
Three overpasses, executed using prestressed concrete structures, are designed to solve the transverse permeability of the infrastructure for both road traffic and pedestrians.
Figure 5: Standard cross-section. Laying of the levelling layers
In terms of structural land containment, the project envisages the execution of ten retaining walls of different types, selected according to the geometric and functional conditions of each section.
Nine signage panels will also be installed, which will facilitate the reading of road information by users, thus improving road safety and corridor operation.
The execution of acoustic screens at strategic points along the route is also contemplated, in order to mitigate the sound effect on inhabited areas close to the infrastructure.
Figure 6: Structure PS: 580+800
This project is supported by technical documentation that includes studies of cartography, geology, environmental impact, safety and health, waste management, work plans, budgets and technical specifications, necessary for its proper execution.
Finally, it should be noted that TYPSA’s participation in this project reinforces its extensive experience in technical assistance and control of road infrastructure works, contributing to the improvement of the transport network and, with it, to the quality of the service offered to citizens.
