According to the details shared by the municipality, the project will include five road overpasses and two pedestrian crossings across several parishes, including Ribeira de Santarém, Peso, Vale de Santarém, Senhora da Saúde, and Vale de Figueira. These interventions aim to enhance road safety, reduce rail-related accidents, and improve local mobility.

In a statement on social media, Santarém mayor, João Leite, described the initiative as a “historic investment” that will “strengthen safety, improve mobility, and boost economic activity in the region.” He also emphasised the municipality’s active role in advocating for the project. “We’ve held multiple meetings with IP and the Government in recent months to stress the urgent need to carry out these projects,” he noted.

The investment is divided into two main phases. Lot 1, with a €21 million budget, includes two road viaducts – one over the Santana/Cartaxo stop and another in Vale de Santarém – both intended to eliminate existing level crossings.

Construction contracts are expected to be launched in September, pending government approval for budget extension. IP confirmed that all technical plans are complete and that EU funding for the works is already secured.

This project is part of the National Railway Safety Program, which aims to eliminate 155 level crossings and automate 79 others, ultimately reducing accidents, noise, and operational costs across Portugal’s rail network.