Olhão bypass opens as mayor presses government for Algarve investment – Portugal Resident

The new EN125 bypass around Olhão was officially inaugurated on Tuesday (May 12), with local mayor Ricardo Calé using the occasion to call for greater investment in the Algarve, particularly in housing and transport infrastructure.

During a ceremony attended by Infrastructure and Housing Minister Miguel Pinto Luz and other regional officials, Calé stressed what he described as the urgent need for investment in “fundamental areas for the development of the region,” arguing that the Algarve’s economy can only diversify through stronger infrastructure and long-term planning.

Housing was one of the main issues raised by the mayor, who said rising property prices in the Algarve are making it increasingly difficult for families to find homes.

“Municipal councils have the capacity to help solve this problem through the construction of housing,” he told the minister.

Calé also called for progress on a public transport connection across central Algarve, linking Olhão, Faro and Loulé through a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system or a similar solution.

“This connection will be important to increase regional competitiveness, make the Algarve more resilient and diversify its economy,” he said.

The new Olhão bypass, which residents have been demanding for decades, is expected to ease traffic congestion on the EN125 through the town centre.

“This is the day that marks the future of Olhão. Avenida D. João VI will now truly become an avenue,” Calé said during the inauguration.

Meanwhile, the minister described the project as a “strategic investment in people’s quality of life and road safety.”

“We are giving back time and better travelling conditions to those who live and work in Olhão,” Pinto Luz said.

He also praised the continuation of public investment projects across different governments.

“I am also pleased, as a Portuguese citizen, when I inaugurate a project that began under the previous government. What matters to me is getting things done, because we are changing and transforming the lives of our fellow citizens,” he said.

Calé highlighted the direct impact the new road will have on daily life in the municipality.

“After many years of waiting, we have managed to complete a fundamental project for the development of the municipality and the improvement of urban mobility,” he said.

The mayor added that the council maintained close contact with residents throughout construction, working with Infraestruturas de Portugal (national infrastructure authority) and contractor Construções Gabriel Couto to resolve local concerns and make adjustments where needed.

He said the bypass will also improve regional traffic flow by allowing drivers travelling between Vila Real de Santo António, Faro, Tavira and Loulé to avoid crossing through Olhão’s urban centre.

The new road is around six kilometres long and connects the EN125 to the EN398. It includes one lane in each direction, six roundabouts, underpasses and modern traffic management and signalling systems.