EN 342 between Góis and Arganil reopens to traffic after five-month closure

EN 342 between Góis and Arganil reopens to traffic

The EN 342, the national road linking Góis and Arganil, reopened to traffic on Friday after being closed for more than five months due to the severe weather at the start of the year, according to Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP).

IP said the EN 342 reopened early this morning once the "slope and road platform stabilisation works" had been completed, in a press note sent to Lusa.

Storm damage and the impact of the closure

The road, which runs through the inland part of the Coimbra district, had been shut since the beginning of the year "following the severe weather that affected the region and caused significant damage" to the route.

Previously, Góis Municipal Council argued for a temporary solution to allow a restricted reopening of the road, stating that the closure of the link between the municipality and Arganil was causing "serious losses and constraints for the municipality and all its users, with many impacts, especially on the local economy and school transport".

IP works and investment on the EN 342

IP said it was necessary to proceed with a contract worth around €150,000 to deliver measures ensuring the road could be stabilised.

"The works included the construction of retaining structures and slope facing, the installation of surface and deep drainage systems, as well as the reinstatement and improvement of drainage conditions on the road platform," it added.

According to IP’s note issued today, 21 routes remain cut off as a result of the January and February storms.