News in the Algarve

 

 

 Reproduced from 'The Portugal News, Portugal's National Newspaper in English'.

 

 


 

 

EN125 revamp sees need for new Arade bridge.... A joint proposal from the region's municipalities to upgrade the notorious EN125 road and improve its safety has reportedly included requests for new roundabouts, junctions, and a third bridge to cross the Arade River.

 

 

This last request came from Portimão Mayor Manuel da Luz on the basis that one of the existing bridges, a century-old metal construction, no longer satisfies the demand of growing populations on both sides of the river.

Mayor da Luz, however disputes a proposal to extend the EN125 between Portimão's Barlavento Hospital and the A22/Via do Infante exit, along with four roundabouts planned for the areas of Senhora do Verde, Ribeira da Torre, Figueira and Mexilhoeira.

Faro Mayor José Apolinário has stressed the importance to complete a second phase of the North circular, where the goal will be to reduce the movement of all vehicles within the city, which sees a daily influx of some 60,000 vehicles.

In Tavira, Mayor Macário Correia has proposed the demolition of a number of houses along the edge of the EN125, as well as prioritizing parking, a double-lane for slower vehicles, corridors for infrastructures, better access to Luz da Tavira, and new crossings and roundabouts. Macário Correia has voiced his opinion on the overall project by saying that whilst all municipalities should collaborate, "there must be financial intervention from the government".

Neighbouring Olhão's priority is to create an alternative route to the existing EN125 stretch that runs straight through the heart of the city.

According to Francisco Leal, Mayor of Olhão, an alternative route north of the city has been suggested and is included in the municipality's PDM (district planning).

Lagos has also requested an alternative route for the town of Odiáxere.

Mayor Julio Barroso has also stressed the need for three more roundabouts for Chinicato, Molião and Espiche, as well as a direct road from the Modelo shopping centre to 4 Estradas.

In Lagoa two roundabouts have been requested for Porches, as well as two more to be implemented by the International School. Lagoa mayor José Inácio considers this will greatly reduce the number of fatalities in the municipality, and like its fellow municipality Olhão, also sees the need for an alternative Northern route.

Desidério Silva, mayor of Albufeira, has also asked for new roundabouts to be created in the areas of Guia, Ferreiras, Fontainhas, and near the Algarve Shopping centre.