Barcelos to invest more than €3.9 million in second phase of Eastern Urban Bypass

The Municipality of Barcelos is set to invest more than €3.9 million in building the second phase of the Eastern Urban Bypass, an upgrade expected to help remove traffic from within the parish of Arcozelo - the most populous in the municipality - while improving traffic flow and road safety.

At a meeting of Barcelos Municipal Council, the detailed design was approved unanimously. The plan sets out a road of around 1,250 metres in length, with an estimated construction period of 12 months.

Reorganising traffic

This new connection forms part of the wider strategy to complete Barcelos’ road network complex. It is intended to reorganise traffic movements, make access to the town centre easier, and avoid the Arcozelo level crossing.

The works are also expected to divert long-distance through-traffic and ease pressure on the Western Bypass, ensuring the closure of the eastern section of the ring road. In addition, the new route will provide access to the future Operational Centre of Barcelos Municipal Council, underlining its strategic importance in the organisation of municipal services.

Roundabouts

From a technical standpoint, the project includes a carriageway in both directions, with verges and space reserved for any future widening. Junctions will be handled through roundabouts, making it easier to connect to the existing road network.

Environmental considerations are also included, with plans for a tree belt along the route to reduce the infrastructure’s visual and noise impacts.

A two-way cycle path is also planned, alongside improvements to watercourses, linked to an accessible route that will allow the area to be used for active travel and leisure. With this intervention, the Municipality of Barcelos takes another step towards delivering a key piece of infrastructure, with a direct impact on mobility and residents’ quality of life.