Metro Line 3 Progress: Tunnel Works Reach New Milestone in Pino Montano

The Long-Awaited North-South Connection

For decades, the expansion of the Seville Metro was a topic of political debate rather than physical progress. However, as of April 2026, the sounds of heavy machinery in the northern district of Pino Montano signal that the city is finally on track to complete its ambitious Line 3. This week, the Junta de Andalucía confirmed that the underground tunnel works between the new stations of Los Mares and San Lázaro have reached a critical milestone, with the 'cut-and-cover' excavation proceeding ahead of schedule.

The northern section of Line 3 is arguably the most significant infrastructure project currently underway in the province. Once finished, it will connect some of Seville's most densely populated neighbourhoods directly to the city centre and the existing Line 1 at Prado de San Sebastián. For residents and expats living in the northern outskirts, the promise of a fifteen-minute journey to the historic centre—bypassing the notorious congestion of the SE-20—is a game-changer.

Modernising Urban Mobility

The technical branch connecting the new line to the maintenance workshops is now fully operational, allowing for the testing of the newest Urbos light rail vehicles. These modern trains are designed for higher capacity and energy efficiency, reflecting the city’s broader goal of reducing private car usage. The project, which represents an investment of over €1.3 billion, is being co-funded by the regional and national governments, highlighting its status as a priority for the nation's transport strategy.

For those living near the construction sites, the 'cut-and-cover' method has inevitably caused some surface disruption. However, the city council has focused on 'urban integration,' ensuring that as each section of the tunnel is completed, the street level is immediately redeveloped with new pedestrian zones, green spaces, and cycling paths. This approach aims to leave the Macarena and Pino Montano districts in a better state than they were before the works began.

A Future Connected

The full line is expected to serve approximately 120,000 inhabitants and provide essential links to key sites, including the Virgen Macarena Hospital and the University of Seville’s northern campuses. While the total completion of the north-south link is not slated until 2030, the progress seen this April suggests that the first passengers in Pino Montano may be boarding trains sooner than originally anticipated. For the expat community, this expansion makes northern neighbourhoods increasingly attractive for long-term rentals and property investment, as the city’s footprint continues to grow and modernise.

Source: Diario de Sevilla, 11 April 2026