The construction project awarded to Civibéria – Obras Civis, SA represents an investment of 2.245 million euros with a completion timeline of 420 days.
The new road infrastructure will eliminate a critical level crossing currently causing significant mobility constraints between Santarém and Alcanhões.
In comments to Lusa News Agency, Diamantino Duarte, president of the União de Freguesias de Santarém, emphasized that “people have been advocating for this solution for over 40 years,” noting that the Assacaias level crossing creates “endless queues” daily, impacting hundreds of residents.
The local official highlighted that the intervention will “improve the safety and mobility of a vast area of the municipality” after a “long process plagued by bureaucracy and numerous obstacles.”
Diamantino Duarte also pointed out other problematic level crossings in Santarém, particularly at Casal do Peso, which has been closed for about six years.
“In the event of flooding or an accident, part of the parish becomes isolated,” he explained.
According to Duarte, the project to eliminate the Peso level crossing “is already drafted” and is waiting for Infrastructure of Portugal (IP) to open the bidding process.
“We hope this progress at Assacaias serves as a catalyst to address the remaining bottlenecks,” he added.
Meanwhile, Santarém Mayor João Leite remarked on social media that the construction of the new route is “excellent news for Santarém, Alcanhões, and all the parishes that have awaited this solution for decades,” noting that “all bureaucratic procedures” for the work’s execution are complete.
