Saturday 7 May 2016

Algarve,Portugal - N125 to be cut between Maritenda & Fontainhas for 9 weeks from 9 May, 2016

Algarve Portuguese online daily Sul Informação reports this morning that, in addition to the current ongoing "improvement" road works bedevilling the N125, the section that crosses the main Faro - Algarve rail line is to closed between next Monday, 9th May and 15th July 2016.

http://www.sulinformacao.pt/2016/05/en125-entre-maritenda-e-fontainhas-vai-ficar-cortada-ate-15-de-julho/

While the replacement of the road bridge over the rail line is no doubt needed, the complete lack of respect for locals and visitors shown by both the responsible authorities, Infraestruturas de Portugal and the contractors is breathtaking.

Neither Agency is issuing public warnings when works are to start, or be completed, and the local press appear to be dependent upon "leaks" for information.

At a minimum, there is need for the national Parliament(A Assembléia Nacional) to pass legislation requiring Infraestruturas de Portugal (a state agency), to fully divulge via the Press and Media, proposed works programmes, at least, 8 weeks in advance of project starts, (obviously with the exception of emergency works. )

There will be a diversion in place as detailed in the above article.

However, if anyone is planning on using the EN125 to get from Faro to Boliqueime and beyond in the next 2 months, be aware and perhaps be prepared to pay tolls and use the A22 Via de Infante Motorway. So be warned!.

Wednesday 4 May 2016

Coaches between Porto Airport, Portugal & Ponte de Lima, Viana de Castelo,Ponte de Barca,Arcos de Valdevez

http://www.barquense.com/ operate 4 services daily on weekdays and 2 services daily at week-ends between Porto Airport and Ponte de Barca calling at Ponte de Lima, Viana de Castelo , and Arcos de Valdevez .
Timetable in pdf format here: