José Manuel Bolieiro opens Madalena ring road and reiterates commitment to implementing RRP - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas, and the Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures, Berta Cabral, chaired today the opening ceremony of the Vila da Madalena Ring Road on the island of Pico.

The new road infrastructure addresses long-standing issues, namely congestion at entry and exit points, heavy goods vehicle traffic in the town centre, poor traffic flow, and the lack of a functional and well-organised road network. The traffic in the town centre worsened both urban mobility and road safety.

José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the strong support from the local community, noting that “the support shown by the community and local institutions speaks for itself.” He also stressed that this moment emphasises the importance of the project for Madalena and the island of Pico.

With a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometres, the ring road links two sections of Regional Road no. 1-2. It intersects with Regional Road no. 3-2 and several municipal roads, ensuring a better integration of the island’s road network, particularly in the connections to areas such as Valverde, Cabo Branco, Sete Cidades and the Longitudinal Road.

The solution implemented prioritised safety, traffic flow and functionality, namely through the creation of five roundabouts to reduce congestion and promote safer and smoother traffic flow. A junction was also introduced in an area with lower residential density, due to space constraints.

The infrastructure comprises two lanes approaching the roundabouts and sections with two lanes in each direction, thereby enabling more efficient traffic flow, including for heavy goods vehicles. Provisions have also been made for pedestrian and cycling mobility, with the introduction of a two-way cycle path, improved pavements and pedestrian crossings in speed-restricted zones.

The project also considered landscape and environmental integration, with the creation of green spaces, street lighting and the use of traditional basalt stone walls, thus ensuring the preservation of local identity. The reuse of excavated materials and the implementation of drainage solutions that avoid impacting private properties are also relevant features. 

The President of the Government emphasised that “the people are the primary focus of government action,” stressing that infrastructure development must go hand in hand with quality of life and regional development.

José Manuel Bolieiro expressed his belief that this project marks a new chapter for the town, stating that “from today, Madalena will be a better place for its people,” contributing to the development of Pico Island and the Region as a whole.

The government official also emphasised that this project fulfils “a longtime dream” of the local population, being part of a strategic vision that strengthens territorial cohesion and improves transport links.

Regarding the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), José Manuel Bolieiro highlighted the Regional Government’s commitment to implementing European funds, emphasising that the Region is fulfilling, “in both an institutional and practical sense, and within the agreed timeframe, goals that are not those of the Government, but of the people and the future.”

The head of the Azorean Government also highlighted the work carried out by the Task Force for Monitoring the Implementation of the RRP-Azores (EMPRR-Açores), led by Rui Luís and established by the Azorean Government. In his view, this body represents a form of “practical intelligence” that has enabled the Region to meet milestones and targets, as well as to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that strategic development options are more realistic.

In this context, he also mentioned the effort to optimise available resources, acknowledging the importance of the financial allocation granted to the country and the need to implement it effectively in the Region, aligning funding opportunities with the Azores’ development priorities.

The works contract was awarded, following a public tender, to the Tecnovia Açores / AFAVIAS – Engenharia e Construções – Açores, S.A. consortium, representing an overall investment, including taxes and compulsory land purchases, amounting to approximately €8.5 million.

The contribution of Fernando Alfaiate, president of Recuperar Portugal, who was present at the ceremony, was also acknowledged for his support and cooperation in the implementation of the RRP.

Therefore, the Madalena ring road is a strategic investment in improving mobility, safety and quality of life on the island of Pico, strengthening territorial cohesion and reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to the sustainable development of the Region.