Roadworks are underway on the Tavira-Vila Real de Santo António section of the Algarve’s A22 motorway, with national media pointing out that the works are being paid for by the state although a private group holds the concession to the motorway.
The issue fell under the media spotlight after PS MPs from the Algarve questioned the government about the roadworks.
The government answered only that it is up to Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), the national infrastructure authority, to cover the costs of the works.
It added that the contract for the works is signed by the concession company, while the money is provided by the state.
How much these renovations will cost and when they will be completed has not been revealed.
Data shows that the state spent a total of 49.8 million on the A22 in the first nine months of 2017, while the revenue from the motorway’s tolls only covered 61% of the sum.
michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com
