Capelas Bypass is strategic investment to boost mobility, cohesion and development in São Miguel - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Turismo, Mobilidade e Infraestruturas

As one of the most significant road infrastructure projects currently under development on the island of São Miguel, the Capelas Bypass represents an investment of over €45 million, funded primarily under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP).

This project, which has been closely monitored by the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, stands as a milestone in the modernisation of the regional road network and a tangible example of the use of European funds to support the structural development of the Azores.

Today, Berta Cabral revisited the site, which spans approximately 8.3 kilometres, plus an additional 1.4-kilometre section connecting to the town of Capelas. It is one of the largest recent road investments in the Azores, integrating design, construction and supervision into a single project of high technical and strategic ambition.

The Capelas Bypass was designed to link the northern and southern parts of the island more efficiently, ensuring a more direct connection between the north-west coast of São Miguel and the main urban centre, Ponta Delgada.

This infrastructure will significantly reduce travel times, provide safer and more direct routes, and ease traffic pressure in urban centres and parishes.

The new road makes travel smoother and more convenient, allowing residents to avoid passing through several parishes, which directly enhances the quality of life for the population. At the same time, it improves access to essential services such as the hospital, airport and port, which are located in the main urban area.

Berta Cabral maintained that improved accessibility is a key factor for economic growth. She added that the Capelas Bypass strengthens the link between Ponta Delgada and its neighbouring areas, creating the conditions to boost local trade, stimulate regional tourism and facilitate the movement of people and goods.

“In making the Region more accessible and efficient from a logistical standpoint, this infrastructure boosts the Region’s competitiveness and its attractiveness to investment,” stated Berta Cabral.

He continues: “More than just a road project, the Capelas Bypass is a tool for social and territorial cohesion. In reducing disparities between different parts of the island, it promotes greater integration between communities, more balanced access to services and opportunities, and greater territorial equity.”

“This investment is part of a strategic vision for the harmonious development of the Azores, bringing communities closer and strengthening regional cohesion, whilst ensuring greater safety and resilience,” she defended.

The new road has been designed to modern engineering standards, reducing road accidents, easing congestion and diverting heavy traffic away from population centres.

In addition, it incorporates solutions designed to mitigate natural hazards, particularly flooding problems that have affected some parishes in the municipality of Ponta Delgada.

This approach strengthens the Region’s resilience to natural phenomena, a priority in a particularly exposed island context.

The Capelas Bypass is widely recognised as a key project for the present and future of São Miguel Island. It symbolises a transformative public investment, the effective use of European funds under the RRP, and a clear commitment to the modernisation of regional infrastructure.

As such, this project embodies a long-term strategic vision that combines economic development, sustainability and quality of life. It also represents a multi-dimensional infrastructure project that is essential for improving mobility and accessibility, boosting the regional economy, enhancing road safety, promoting territorial cohesion and mitigating natural hazards.