Attention, drivers: the João XXI Avenue tunnel will close completely for construction starting on April 14 (Tuesday).
The main link between Campo Pequeno and Areeiro will be closed for at least 10 months for structural work.
What work will be carried out?
The project, which will cost 7.6 million euros, is being managed by EMEL and promises to drastically change the routines of those who travel through the capital’s downtown area.
Opened in 1997, the João XXI Avenue tunnel is nearly 1,500 meters (1,490 m) long, and its interior already hinted at a renovation of this magnitude, just as happened exactly one year ago in the equally busy Grilo tunnel.
The project, which will last a total of about 24 months, will close this tunnel for only 10 months, focusing on:
- Creation of a new emergency exit (intersection with Avenida de Roma);
- Complete modernization of the ventilation and fire suppression systems;
- Renovation of the electrical infrastructure to prevent system failures.
Next February, in 2027, the second phase of this project will begin, bringing new restrictions, but this time above ground, in the Avenida de Roma area .
How to avoid traffic jams in the coming months
With the tunnel closed, traffic will be forced to flow above ground, leading to an expected increase in congestion on the central thoroughfares.
However, to minimize the impact on all drivers who regularly use these roads, here are the main options and detours to minimize time lost in traffic:
- Alternative surface routes (local traffic)
- Long-distance detours (avoiding the city center)
- Focus on public transportation
Tip: Secret Lisbon
During the first few weeks, traffic will be unpredictable until drivers get used to the new patterns, so it is highly recommended to use navigation apps (such as Waze or Google Maps) daily before setting out, in order to identify the most congested routes in real time and find the fastest detours at any given moment.