Summary:
The railway crossing on the 25 de Abril Bridge is considered a "miracle" of engineering.
Financed by EU funds covering over 80% of costs, the project was completed between 1995 and 1999.
Introduced modernized railway stations and significant improvements in commuter experience.
The project featured the largest viaduct in the national railway network at the time and an innovative embedded railway system in the Pragal Tunnel.
The railway line was inaugurated on July 29, 1999, with key political figures in attendance.
A Milestone in Portuguese Infrastructure
The railway crossing on the 25 de Abril Bridge, inaugurated 25 years ago, is hailed as a significant achievement, described as a "miracle" by one of the project's coordinators, Nuno Marques, who is a project manager at Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP). This project, which took place between early 1995 and July 29, 1999, introduced numerous innovations in the sector.
Financial Backing and Organizational Focus
Marques emphasized that the project's success was largely due to available financial resources, particularly from EU funds covering over 80% of the costs, alongside highly focused organizational structures. He noted that the team working on the railway crossing was composed of highly qualified and motivated individuals, all driven by the knowledge that they were contributing to a crucial enhancement of quality of life for many.
Enhancements in Quality of Life
Before the railway, crossing the bridge was a challenging experience for commuters. The construction not only improved transportation but also introduced modernized railway stations with more parking and commercial areas, aiming to provide a comfortable experience for passengers.
Technical Innovations
The project also included significant engineering advancements, such as the construction of the largest viaduct in the national railway network at the time, the Corroios Viaduct, measuring approximately 1,400 meters. Additionally, the Pragal Tunnel was extended, featuring an innovative embedded railway system for safety.
Inauguration Day
Marques described the inauguration day as the least significant moment in the entire process, overshadowed by the excitement of the crowd at the Pragal station wanting to board the first train. The railway line was officially opened on July 29, 1999, with notable figures in attendance, including the then Prime Minister AntĂłnio Guterres.
Historical Context
The idea of a railway crossing over the Tagus River dates back to the bridge's construction in 1966, when a 600-meter tunnel was built, which remained unused for 33 years until the crossing was completed. The total cost of the project was approximately 150 million escudos (about 750 million euros), with substantial investments made in structural reinforcements and infrastructure improvements.
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