The Long-Awaited New Airport of Lisbon
After over fifty years of analysis, the construction of the New Airport of Lisbon (NAL) at the Alcochete Shooting Range has finally been decided. This project has been four decades delayed compared to Spain, but it also brings the promise of a new High-Speed Rail (AV) network that is expected to be in European gauge.
Integration of AV and Airport Facilities
Integrating AV with major airport infrastructures is a decisive objective for effective transport policies worldwide, particularly concerning passenger traffic. The new AV line connecting Porto and Galicia to the Sá Carneiro Airport is essential for serving populations, tourism, and business, enhancing Porto's centrality in the Northwest Peninsula.
Opportunities Amid Delays
Despite lamenting the significant delays, this presents a great opportunity to execute the project flawlessly, ensuring future generations view it favorably. To establish NAL as a major hub, intercontinental and regional connections must be supplemented by AV linking to key cities in Portugal and Spain.
Necessary Infrastructure Developments
A new railway crossing of the Tagus is urgently needed due to the NAL's location and the new AV network. Studies from two decades ago indicated that 60% of passengers traveling between the two banks of the Tagus could be efficiently served by a new Algés-Trafaria crossing. This would alleviate congestion on the 25 de Abril Bridge.
The Chelas-Barreiro vs. Lisbon-Montijo Debate
The discussion surrounding the Chelas-Barreiro crossing versus the Lisbon-Montijo crossing remains controversial. The government approved the NAL's location in Alcochete in 2008, but subsequent evaluations have often mismanaged mobility criteria. Proper prioritization would place AV and access to NAL first, suburban connections second, and long-distance services third.
The Optimal Solution for National Interests
The Lisbon-Montijo option appears to be the most beneficial for the country, aligning well with the NAL and facilitating AV connections. This strategy envisions Lisbon as a hub for AV, connecting with Porto, Madrid, and the Algarve.
Environmental Considerations in Infrastructure
The most cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution may be an immersed tunnel, as suggested for the Algés-Trafaria crossing. This exclusively railway option would not require ventilation openings, similar to existing tunnels in Marmara Sea and Scandinavian regions.
In summary, the integration of the NAL with a new AV network poses complex challenges that require thorough analysis and dialogue among stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.
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