The promise of a new crossing about the Tagus River has been discussed for years. Now, the government intends to go beyond expectations and announced plans to build a submerged road tunnel, linking Algés to Trafaria.
This new project is part of an infrastructure package to be revealed soon. According to the Economic Journal, the immersed tunnel will cross the Tagus River, connecting Oeiras, in Lisbon, to Trafaria, in the municipality of Almada, Setúbal.
In addition to the construction of a new bridge over the Tagus, which will be the third after the existing April 25 and Vasco da Gama, this tunnel has been claimed by mayors and inhabitants of the south margin for a long time.
According to the socialist deputy Pedro Dias Pereira reported that the construction of this tunnel will last seven years and an estimated cost of 1.1 billion euros. This proposal, which dates back to 30 years, aims to decongest the overloaded 25 de April bridge.
The main objective of this infrastructure is to relieve daily congestion in current bridges, facilitating traffic between Lisbon and the south margin. It is estimated that the total investment may exceed 1 billion euros.
During the Conference “Portugal 2030: Strategic Future for the Construction Sector”, organized by the Association of Construction Industrials and Public Works (AICCOPN), the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, confirmed the inclusion of this Tunnel in the Strategic Plan national.
The event also served to announce a new port strategic plan for Portugal. According to the minister, this plan will be essential to modernize the infrastructure network and reinforce national competitiveness.
Another point highlighted by Miguel Pinto Luz was the need to guarantee a call for a highway between Portalegre, Beja and Sines. This claim has been a concern from various sectors of society and will be included in the new investment package.
According to the decision to move forward with a submerged tunnel reflects the search for innovative solutions to the mobility challenges of the Lisbon region. The solution will allow traffic fluidity to increase and reduce the exclusive dependence of current bridges.
The choice for a road tunnel instead of a new bridge may be related to environmental and urban factors. Construction of a submerged structure has less visual impact and can preserve the landscape of the Tagus.
Although the need for new crossings for years have already been discussed, this is the first concrete project presented with an execution plan. Still, there will be technical and logistics challenges to be faced during the construction.
Authorities have stressed that the project will be developed with the highest standards of safety and sustainability. The integration of modern technologies will be essential to ensure the viability and efficiency of the infrastructure.
Although the official announcement is expected soon, the Ministry of Infrastructure did not want to advance further details about the road tunnel. More information is expected to be revealed by the Prime Minister in the coming weeks.
The inclusion of this work in the infrastructure package demonstrates a commitment to the improvement of mobility in Portugal. In addition to the tunnel, other strategic investments should be announced.
The impact on the local economy may also be significant, with the creation of direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase. In the long run, it is expected that infrastructure benefits both the population and the business sector.
If the plan is materialized, this will be one of the largest investments in infrastructure in the country in recent years. Its execution can redefine the way citizens circulate between Lisbon and the southern margin of the Tagus.
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