Teixeira Duarte awarded contract to rehabilitate Vila Franca de Xira's historic Ponte Marechal Carmona

After a judicial challenge that halted construction for more than a year, Infraestruturas de Portugal announced the start of rehabilitation works on the Ponte Marechal Carmona in Vila Franca de Xira. The 21.5 million‑euro contract was signed with Teixeira Duarte in May, replacing the original winner Conduril following court rulings that found procedural irregularities.

The two‑year, 900‑day programme will reinforce the bridge’s seismic resistance, upgrade waterproofing and pavement, replace and strengthen safety equipment, refurbish guardrails and modernise the electrical and lighting systems. Traffic will largely remain open, with only temporary, localized restrictions communicated to users. The bridge, the oldest crossing over the Tagus River and a key link between the municipalities of Benavente and Vila Franca de Xira, carries thousands of vehicles daily.