Anticipated opening of new, verdant overpass within the next two months
Construction on the new pedestrian-cycle bridge in Lisbon, initially projected to conclude at the end of 2024, has made significant progress, with the contractor successfully advancing the delivery by approximately a month. This progress indicates a strong likelihood that the connection between the city center and the eastern part of the city will be accessible within the next two months.
Speaking at a hearing in the Lisbon Municipal Assembly, the head of the Lisbon Mobility and Parking Company (EMEL), revealed that the investment in the project thus far amounts to 3.5 million euros. The contractor is expected to deliver the contract by the end of this month.
The bridge, located near Rotunda do Relógio, is a product of the Lisbon City Council's initiative in the green spaces sector, having been announced in 2021 and officially commencing in January 2024. Referred to as a "naturalized pedestrian-cycle bridge," the project not only serves as atransportation link but also doubles as a garden, according to EMEL.
The company further detailed that the new bridge will connect the green spaces in the area, providing continuity between the Central, Olivais, and Oriental green corridors. A direct cycle-pedestrian link will also be established between the José Gomes Ferreira Park (Mata de Alvalade), Vinha Park, and Bela Vista Park.
The 104.8-meter overpass incorporates a vegetated strip over the structure of the viaduct, extending into the adjacent green areas, according to EMEL. While the initial expectation for the project's completion was by the end of 2024, the new timeline suggests that it may open within the next two months.
The original investment value of the project was approximately €2.5 million; however, the current investment stands at 3.5 million euros. At the start of the work in January 2024, this was the projected value.
The new pedestrian-cycle bridge, located near Rotunda do Relógio, is part of the Lisbon City Council's initiative in both the 'lifestyle' segment, promoting sustainable living by incorporating a garden, and the 'home-and-garden' sector. Upon completion, it will connect the Central, Olivais, and Oriental green corridors, fostering a 'sustainable-living' approach by establishing direct cycle-pedestrian links between green spaces such as the Mata de Alvalade, Vinha Park, and Bela Vista Park.
