The emblematic Petroli Bridge in Badalona is nearing the final stages of its reconstruction, six years after Storm Gloria. The project includes a circular viewpoint with a diameter of 13 metres, known as the 'doughnut', and an investment of 4 million euros.
Badalona can now see how the Petroli Bridge is regaining its silhouette. Six years after Storm Gloria devastated the platform, the reconstruction works are approaching their final stages with plans to reopen the bridge by late 2026. The project, funded by the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) and the Badalona City Council, has an investment of 4 million euros.
The major novelty will be the new viewpoint located at the end of the bridge. The old rectangular viewpoint will be replaced by a circular structure with an outer diameter of 13 metres, featuring a large five-metre opening in the centre. Locals have already dubbed this platform the 'doughnut', a shape that is not only aesthetic but also serves a key function: allowing waves to pass through the platform during storms, reducing pressure on the structure.
The design was the most voted for by residents in a participatory process initiated by the City Council. Subsequently, the Maritime Engineering Laboratory of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) conducted digital simulations and tests with models to validate its performance against wave action. The new structure is designed to withstand storms of much greater intensity than those recorded so far.
The intervention affects the entire Petroli Bridge, which measures 234.5 metres in length and 3.20 metres in width. Damaged sections will be demolished and replaced, while elements in good condition will be rehabilitated. The new structure will rest on double T metal beams supported by steel piles driven approximately 12 metres below the seabed. Each beam weighs around 30 tonnes and will be transported from the port of Badalona to the bridge.
The works are being carried out from a large barge, a floating platform anchored to the seabed that has retractable legs capable of elevating the entire structure when sea conditions worsen. A large-tonnage crane is working on it to place the new pieces. According to AMB technicians, it will only be necessary to move the barge three times to complete the entire reconstruction.
The new Petroli Bridge also incorporates improvements to extend its lifespan and broaden its uses. The wooden pavement, railings, lighting, and anti-corrosion protection of the entire structure will be completely renewed. Additionally, the City Council plans to install meteorological and oceanographic stations for real-time scientific data collection, as well as a permanent webcam from which the coast of Badalona can be viewed at any time of day. The intention of the council is that, once reopened, the bridge will be accessible 24 hours a day.
Built by CAMPSA in 1965 as a space for unloading petroleum products, the Petroli Bridge ceased to have industrial use in the 1990s and was nearly demolished. Local pressure prevented its demolition and allowed its transformation into a civic space inaugurated in 2009. Since then, it has become one of Badalona's major icons until Storm Gloria, with waves exceeding five metres, destroyed the platform and forced the infrastructure to close. The new version aims to preserve that symbolic character, but with a structure prepared to coexist with a coastline increasingly exposed to extreme weather phenomena.
For the residents of Badalona, the reopening of the Petroli Bridge will mean the return of one of the most visited and photographed spaces on the Catalan coast. The bridge, which has long been a meeting point and promenade, will once again be open 24 hours a day, allowing enjoyment of the coastal views at any time. The forecast is that the works will be completed by late 2026, returning to the city an emblem damaged by the storm.
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