A representative from the Lisbon City Hall indicated that due to the size of the transport operation involving the tunnel boring machine, it is expected to cross the Avenida Infante D. Henrique twice, likely causing significant disruptions to local traffic, particularly in the mornings of September 23 and 24, as stated by LASO Transportes, responsible for moving the H2OLi tunnel boring machine.
The tunnel boring machine, measuring 130 meters in length with an external diameter of 6.4 meters and a 70-ton cutting head, is set to commence construction of the second tunnel, which will connect Beato to Chelas, spanning approximately one kilometer.
The first tunnel of the PGDL, extending five kilometers between Campolide and Santa Apolónia, began construction in December 2023 and was completed on July 22 of this year. The second tunnel is projected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The PGDL project, with a total investment of around 250 million euros, was first announced in 2006 but only progressed in 2015 under the presidency of Fernando Medina (PS). The significant construction interventions, specifically the tunnels, only commenced in 2023 under the leadership of Carlos Moedas (PSD).
A planned investment of 79 million euros is allocated for the project in 2025.
The two tunnels will capture water from two elevated points (Monsanto and Chelas) and additional points along the route, including Av. da Liberdade, Rua de Santa Marta, and Av. Almirante Reis, channeling the water volume to the receiving body, the Tagus River (in Santa Apolónia and Beato), according to the PGDL website.
