Even though it is difficult to circulate in the downtown area of Lisbon at the moment, either because of construction works in a collector of Rua da Prata or because of traffic restrictions caused by the Drainage Plan, the commercial district is still open and ready to welcome guests.
Lusa was doing a reportage in the central business district of Pombalina when she discovered that, in spite of the construction works that condition the circulation of automobiles, the majority of the commercial establishments stay open, and there are a large number of people walking in the streets, particularly visitors.
Since last Wednesday, the traffic in the riverbank region and downtown Lisbon has been conditioned with car circulation limitations between the Avenida Infante Santo and the Avenida Mouzinho de Albuquerque. The length of time for which these restrictions will be in place is currently unknown.
The expansion of the Lisbon Underground, the General Drainage Plan, and the repair of sidewalks and collectors are some of the projects that are now under way. According to the Lisbon City Hall, the mobility plan is “dynamic,” meaning that its implementation is contingent on the development of these and other ongoing projects.
Manuel Sousa Lopes, president of the Association for Dinamization of the Downtown Pombaline, told Lusa that the downtown region of Lisbon “is not closed,” stating that the “new traffic rules are probably not being well interpreted.” Lusa said that this information was provided by Manuel Sousa Lopes.
The responsible party claims that the construction work that started in the middle of December on Rua da Prata, beginning from Rua da Conceicao, as a result of a landslide, does not permit “a free circulation in perfect conditions,” acknowledging that the street is an artery “with a lot of traffic.”
However, Baixa is not currently closed. It is still possible for customers to shop in the central business district while driving their own vehicles. Because there are parking lots in Restauradores, Praca da Figueira, and Martim Moniz, they are able to and should go to the downtown area whenever they want to go shopping with their families. “He brought this to their attention.
However, while acknowledging that the parks are “at the service and disposal of the population” of those who want to go to that area of the city, he also emphasized that he agrees with the municipality’s warning for those who don’t need to go downtown for any reason to make another crossing of the city, without using that area. He emphasized that those who don’t need to go downtown for any reason should make another crossing of the city, without using that area.
“It is highly likely that the new traffic laws are not being read in the correct manner. My opinion is that the information that was released by the City Hall of [Lisbon] wasn’t exactly the most accurate either. Let’s just say it was pretty alarmist, to the point where it nearly said not to come downtown. You really ought to come into the city. Now, if you don’t have to go downtown, you should stay away from the area altogether,” he added.
According to Manuel Sousa Lopes, the association has already provided a cultural dynamization initiative to the Lisbon City Hall, particularly in Rua da Prata. This was done in response to the restrictions that merchants have been facing since December of last year, with the goal of attracting more visitors to the location.
“At this time, we are awaiting information; however, it was required. Because of the significance it holds for the human race as a whole, it was imperative that this cultural component take place. People like it, people have fun with it, and it was also a means to convey the businessmen that the political power is interested in them and is with them and doesn’t forget about them,” he conceded.
Paula Ribeiro, who works with Goldsmith Ribeiro, described to Lusa how challenging it has been to have construction work right at the door. She acknowledged that “it reduces the flow of people passing by” due to the fact that Rua da Prata is partially shut off.
“The primary source of our income here is tourism. People avoid going through this area because they can see that the streets have been closed off. It’s been very, very complicated,” he remarked, noting how important it was for the City Hall in Lisbon to “put up signs” clarifying that, despite the fact that the area was closed off to traffic, “the businesses are open.”
“While this is not very pleasant, we had a couple here today who came shopping to cheer us up a bit, recognizing what we are going through,” he explained. “They came shopping to help cheer us up even though they knew what we were going through.”
David Martins, who works at the restaurant Minhota da Prata, confirmed that there have been less people walking past recently, and he blamed the construction work being done on Rua da Prata rather than the recent modifications to the traffic pattern that took effect last week.
Because we are located in an area that attracts a significant amount of tourists, we do not have much cause for complaint right now. Now this [the construction] affects,” said David Martins, emphasizing that the clientele was approximately 70% lower than usual one month ago, and that it is currently approximately 30% lower than usual, because tourism is helping.
Despite the fact that he is aware that his restaurant does not end up having many issues, he believes that “many establishments, for sure, that are experiencing difficulties” as a result of the works. The business owner recalled that the sewer on Prata Street burst its dam in December and that there are only four employees working on a project that ought to be moving forward “day and night, as in the old days.”
Regarding the loading and unloading in downtown, which is only permitted between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons, David Martins stated that he typically does his shopping “day by day” and has not yet had any supplier deliver goods to him.
“I don’t know how I’m going to adjust, but I work during the day, and I’m not going to stay here at night to collect. I’m sorry.” He stated, “Either I make the necessary purchases myself, or they must come with smaller cars and adapt the sales service.” If I make the necessary purchases myself, he said.
Manuel Preguica, who works at the restaurant Casa Chineza, which is situated on Rua do Ouro, disclosed that “for the time being” his business has not yet been impacted by the new loading and unloading timetables.
“When it comes to beer and water, smaller cars have to come more often, but otherwise we haven’t had any problems,” he said, noting that the situation “may even change” in the future. “We haven’t had any problems.”
