Ponte Marechal Carmona between Vila Franca de Xira and Benavente to get €21.5 million upgrade over 900 days

The Marechal Carmona Bridge, which connects the municipalities of Vila Franca de Xira and Benavente, is set to undergo a €21.5 million programme of works aimed at improving safety and boosting the structure’s earthquake resistance. The contract has already been awarded by Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), and the scheme also covers both access viaducts, with the goal of extending the crossing’s service life.

As one of the key road links over the River Tagus, the bridge will be under construction for the next 900 days. The project is designed to update the infrastructure and ensure better driving conditions for the thousands of motorists who use it every day.

Scope of the €21.5 million works on the Marechal Carmona Bridge

The intervention will include the bridge’s main structure as well as the approach viaducts on both riverbanks. Planned works include seismic strengthening, replacement of structural joints, resurfacing, improved waterproofing, and upgrades to safety equipment.

The contract also covers the refurbishment of the parapets, the upgrade of electrical and lighting systems, the renewal of telecommunications infrastructure, and works on the EPAL pipelines installed on the bridge.

Possible disruptions

According to Infraestruturas de Portugal, the works will be carried out in phases to limit the impact on traffic. While the route is expected to remain open for most of the project, temporary restrictions may occur, including occasional reductions in the number of lanes available.

IP adds that the intervention will help safeguard one of the most important road crossings over the Tagus and raise the bridge’s overall safety and reliability.