The total closure to car traffic on the Ribeira do Vascão Bridge, the National Road 122 (EN122), that connects Alentejo (Mértola) to the Algarve (Alcoutim/Vila Real de Santo António), was prolonged until 16 May 2025, due to “delays in the supply of equipment necessary for the project”, justified the Infrastructures of Portugal (IP).
In a document sent to several institutions in the municipality of Mértola, that the Lidador News (LN) We had access, IP states that due to the aforementioned constraints, “it will be necessary to maintain the complete cut in traffic using the diversion already implemented”, situation that was in force between the day 1 October and day 30 November, to replace the existing deck on the bridge.
Since that date, from Mértola, circulating along the EN122, light and heavy vehicles up to 16 tons, are set diverted to the Municipal Road 506 (IN), via Via Glória and then to EM 507, towards Giões, reentering the EN122, with a route in the opposite direction for those coming from Alcoutim/Vila Real de Santo António. Vehicles weighing more than 16 tons are diverted via National Roads, ensuring IP has proper signage on the various highways.
In the communication, IP adds that after the day 16 May 2025, alternate circulation will be implemented, using traffic lights, maintaining the diversion of heavy traffic.
When work begins, IP revealed that the bridge, inaugurated in 1946, with a length of 65 meters, would undergo rehabilitation that includes “structural reinforcement, aiming at its durability, prolonging its useful life and reinforcing stability”, in a project with an investment of around 2,9 million.
teixeira Correia
(journalist)