Project was launched in 1995
After the project was launched three decades ago, Loulé finally unveiled the completed version of its ring road with the opening of Avenida Mário Soares on Friday, April 25 during the 51st anniversary celebrations of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.
The new road, named after one of Portugal’s most iconic politicians who played a key role in the revolution, completes the town’s ring road, connecting the “Cilindro” roundabout at the end of Rua Afonso de Albuquerque to the Querença and Ameixial roundabout, near the Joaquim Vairinhos sports pavilion and Loulé’s university health centre. The new two-kilometre stretch represents over €4 million in investment, the municipal council says in a statement to the press.
Locals turned out in big numbers for the inauguration of the new road, which was built with drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in mind. The road only has one lane in each direction, using the remaining space for cycling and pedestrian paths.
“Needs change,” said Loulé mayor Vítor Aleixo. “Today people want to walk, bike, enjoy the outdoors with friends. This avenue is modern and responds to the needs of the new world, in which cities are designed more with people in mind, as opposed to cars.”
The mayor also announced plans to extend this vision further with the full redevelopment of Avenida Laginha Serafim, which will soon include wider sidewalks, better lighting, more trees, and a continuation of the bike path all the way to the Salgueiro Maia roundabout.
