Lusoponte starts works on the Vasco da Gama Bridge until November

Lusoponte maintenance works on the Vasco da Gama Bridge until November

In a recently issued statement, Lusoponte - the organisation in charge of operating and maintaining the Vasco da Gama Bridge - said that works will be taking place on the Tagus crossing, at least until November.

Even though the intervention is complex and requires setting up a worksite on location (in the right-hand lane in the north–south direction), all six traffic lanes will remain open.

Why the works are being carried out on the Vasco da Gama Bridge

In the same statement, Lusoponte explains that “this work follows an accident involving a coach that was completely destroyed by fire on the bridge deck in June 2021, and which caused only material damage to the protection of four stay cables, which are now being replaced”.

Narrower lanes, lower speed limit

To keep all six lanes operating on the Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lusoponte has had to reduce the width of the carriageway lanes.

Because the lanes are narrower and to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the maintenance works, the maximum speed through the affected area will be limited to just 60 km/h.

Commenting on this change in remarks to TSF, Lusoponte’s communications director, Teresa Oliveira, underlined the need to respect the new limit in that section, stating: “That limit isn’t something trivial; it’s absolutely necessary for safety, both for the works and for the drivers passing through”.

Possible partial or full closures for topographical checks

Alongside the lower speed limit and reduced lane widths, Lusoponte also said that “there will also be a need to fully or partially close the Bridge for topographical checks”. However, the dates for these traffic closures have not yet been announced.

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