Portimão Expands Accessible Pedestrian Network with New Link Between Fire Station and Railway Station
The Municipality of Portimão is currently undertaking works to expand the city’s accessible pedestrian network, as part of the Portimão Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (2024–2034).
The intervention focuses on a section of the Walkable Network, ensuring a fully accessible pedestrian connection between the Fire Station and the Portimão Railway Station. This route serves several areas with high pedestrian usage, including the Municipal Cemetery, AIMA, the CTT post office at Largo Gil Eanes, and the Jardim do Largo Gil Eanes, including its sports field.
The project includes the upgrading and adaptation of existing pedestrian routes, with the installation of new accessible paving. Key measures include the application of bush-hammered concrete slabs, providing greater regularity and comfort for pedestrian movement, as well as the correction of existing deformations and deterioration in the sidewalks.
The works also includes the lowering of curbs at pedestrian crossings, the creation and redesign of accessible crosswalks, and the installation of tactile paving for guidance and warning, aimed at improving mobility for people with visual impairments.
In addition, the intervention includes the reorganization or relocation of public space elements that currently obstruct pedestrian circulation, such as street lighting poles, vertical signage, litter bins, utility cabinets, and public transport shelters. The goal is to eliminate urban barriers and ensure safer and more comfortable use of public space for all.
This initiative continues the municipality’s strategy to promote more inclusive, sustainable, and universal mobility, in line with the guidelines set out in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan approved by the Municipal Assembly.
The connection of this հատված to the existing accessible route — between the Fire Station and the Municipal Market — is ensured via the eastern sidewalk of Jardim Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles.
With this intervention, approximately 800 meters will be added to the municipality’s current accessible route, which already comprises around 10 kilometers of accessible pedestrian pathways in urban areas, further strengthening the continuity and connectivity of the municipal accessible pedestrian network.
