THIS IS HOW THE PATH IS BUILT - Odebrecht Informa

The tremendous advances Portugal has
made in improving its infrastructure over
the past 25 years, since it joined the European
Union in 1986, mean that the country
is now traversed from north to south by
modern highways and fast trains, in contrast to the limitations
of the 1970s. Bridges, overpasses and tunnels
shorten distances and increase the presence of tourists
from other parts of Europe, attracted by the warm climate
and scenic beaches, mountains, plains and castles,
as well as the exciting cuisine, and wines that are
among the best in the world.
Over the years, during this new era of development,
the nation’s two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto (Oporto),
have gained subway lines and extensive highways while
retaining the narrow streets of their romantic and historic
neighborhoods. Odebrecht International is taking part in
the construction of this scenario through Bento Pedroso
Construções (BPC), the contractor responsible for several
projects in Portugal. Three of its most recent projects have
just been completed: two in the Lisbon region and one in
the Porto area.
The complex of highways in the Portuguese capital became
even more extensive and dynamic in 2011 with the
inauguration of a new section of the Lisbon Beltway (CRIL),
marking the completion of that circular route, which connects
the Vasco da Gama and 25 de Abril bridges on the
River Tagus. Leading from Almada, on the outskirts of Lisbon,
on the other bank of the Tagus, the 25 de Abril Bridge
is connected to the Baixo Tejo Highway. BPC has also built
the most recent section of that route, facilitating access to
a region of beaches that are popular with Lisbon residents
and tourists alike.
As for the northern city of Porto, its Metro system is
composed of six lines, and one of the busiest has just been
extended, connecting the city’s historic center to the Douro
River and nearby Vila Nova de Gaia, a major industrial town.
Portugal’s transport and infrastructure projects will
continue in the next few months. Working through BPC,
Odebrecht International is among the six companies that
form Elos, Ligações de Alta Velocidade S.A., the joint venture
responsible for the construction of portions of the
future high-speed train line that will make the trip from
Lisbon to Madrid in just three hours. The original design
has undergone changes and is awaiting approval by the
governments of Portugal and Spain, which are interested
in increasing the flow of tourists in the Iberian Peninsula.
Challenges of an urban project
The Lisbon Beltway (CRIL) is 21 km long and runs
through the northern part of the city, providing a quick
route between the International Airport, Oriente Station
and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, as well as connections
to other expressways. This circular route was all but
completed in April 2011 with the delivery of the 3.7-km
stretch between Buraca and Pontinha, passing through
the cities of Lisbon and Amadora Odivelas and nine districts,
including Benfica, where the popular soccer club’s
stadium is located.
Estradas de Portugal S.A. contracted BPC to build
this stage of the complex, and the Odebrecht company
carried out its mission in just over three years. The
completion of the road works required the demolition
of houses and the removal of 1,600 families living in the
area, the redevelopment and opening of tunnels, inter-
CRIL: beltway
passes through
northern
Lisbon
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informa