As part of the ongoing construction work on the urban section of the Portagem – Coimbra-B Metrobus, led by Infraestruturas de Portugal, a traffic diversion will be implemented from July 12th until the end of 2025 to complete the transformation of the Choupal Tunnel into a level crossing and the Águas do Centro Litoral outfall. This work also requires the closure of Rua Pinto dos Santos.
This work does not eliminate the connection between Choupal/Ponte Açude and Avenida Fernão de Magalhães. Rather, this connection will be ensured through a diversion consisting of two sections, one south and one north of the tunnel, allowing traffic to be diverted between Rua Pinto dos Santos and Avenida Marginal adjacent to Choupal.
The road alternatives are shown in the image.
Upon completion, the new crossing will have increased capacity, resulting from the cessation of rail traffic at the site, which will allow for the implementation of a level crossing, regulated by traffic lights, significantly improving mobility. This new crossing will ensure two lanes of traffic, allowing for the reestablishment of two-way traffic simultaneously and thus increasing traffic flow. Pedestrian traffic will also benefit from more open and comfortable routes, as they will be provided by flat, level routes, eliminating steep sidewalks and stairways.
It is important to emphasize the importance of the ongoing intervention, which will allow for the reorganization of road traffic in the surrounding area, increase green spaces, improve pedestrian conditions, and, most importantly, create a functional interface with the public transportation lines serving the population of the northern part of the municipality.
