The works on the Ribeira do Vascão Bridge, the National Road 122 (EN122), that connects Alentejo (Mértola) to the Algarve (Alcoutim/Vila Real de Santo António), will lead to a complete cut in traffic over the next two months.
From this Monday and the next day 30 November, to Portugal Infrastructure (IP) will carry out rehabilitation works, which include the replacement of the existing tray, which requires changes in circulation between the districts of Beja and Faro, via EN122.
From Mértola, circulating along the EN122, light and heavy vehicles up to 16 tons, will be diverted to Municipal Road 506 (IN), via Via Glória and then to EM 507, towards Giões, re-entry onto EN122, with a route in the opposite direction for those coming from Alcoutim/Vila Real de Santo António.
Vehicles weighing more than 16 tons will be diverted via National Roads, ensuring IP has proper signage on the various highways.
In a statement to IP, reveals that the bridge, inaugurated in 1946, with a length of 65 meters, will 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.
Heard by Lidador News (LN), Mario Thomas, President of the Chamber Mértola, justified that “it is essential for safety and also to avoid the degradation of municipal roads, that are being used by heavy. The structure was too dangerous for safe circulation.”, concluded.
First phase of work completed, which involves the complete replacement of the existing tray, a partir de 1 December and up 25 March next year, alternate circulation will be implemented, using traffic lights, maintaining the diversion of heavy traffic.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
