EXCLUSIVE: Those EN125 redevelopment works explained
Updated: 22-Mar-2011
Plans to redevelop the EN125 road, at a cost of €180 million, have been outlined exclusively to the Algarve Resident by Estradas de Portugal (EP), the entity responsible for the works.
With tolls being introduced on the A22 next month, the EN125 will have to cope with increased traffic.
The work on a road that for decades has been labelled “the road of death” due to the large number of accidents involving fatalities is undoubtedly a necessity, but it will also become a hindrance to drivers.
Upon approval of the project by the Government in March 2008, a public tender was launched by the EP and by April 2009, RAL-Rotas do Algarve Litoral had been awarded the contract to redevelop and maintain the EN125, which also became known as the Concessão Algarve Litoral.
In a statement sent to the Algarve Resident, EP said: “RAL was also responsible for carrying out the necessary studies to assess what needed doing on the EN125.”
The timeline for redeveloping the EN125 establishes that the programmed works for the various stretches of road should start before the end of this month.
The EP statement said: “Works already underway include the Lagos Bypass, the S. Lourenço/Troto Bypass (Loulé Council) and the Faro Bypass, which are scheduled to be completed between the end of 2011 and April 2012.”
Construction of the Luz de Tavira, Odiáxere and Olhão Bypasses is also due to begin this year and works are expected to be concluded by mid-2013.
“We are expecting all the works that form part of the Algarve Litoral subconcession contract, either stretches of road built from scratch or redevelopment projects, to be completed by mid-2013,” the statement said.
When asked what areas of the EN125 had been earmarked for redevelopment, the EP said the project was for the complete extension of the road “from Vila do Bispo to Vila Real de St. António, including the bypasses”.
Listed as the main objectives of the EN125 redevelopment project were the reduction of road accidents, better traffic circulation and improved quality of life at both urban and environmental levels.
Works currently being carried out on the EN125 include construction of the second phase of the Faro Bypass, the Lagos and S. Lourenço/Troto bypasses, redevelopment works on the Vila do Bispo-Lagos EN125 stretch and construction of a ‘technical channel’ (Canal Técnico Rodoviário) along several road stretches to allow telecommunications operators to have equal commercial opportunities in different areas.
When asked if the EN125 would be a good alternative to the A22 after the works had been completed, the EP was evasive in its response. “The Algarve Litoral project aims to create more homogeneous features, consistent speed limits and a driving environment that is suitable for the type of road in question.”
For further information about the EN125 redevelopment project, please visit www.estradasdeportugal.pt or www.algarvelitoral.pt (both in Portuguese only).
Do you have a view on this story? Please email Editor Inês Lopes at ines.lopes@theresidentgroup.com.
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