The A1 is closed in Coimbra. What are the alternatives?

The closure of the Autoestrada 1 (A1) between kilometres 198 and 189 (the Coimbra Norte and Coimbra Sul junctions) has forced the definition of alternative routes for anyone travelling between the North and the South of the country.

With no reopening date confirmed - the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, has said it will take “weeks” - Brisa Concessão Rodoviária is advising two main options to bypass the closed section around Casais, in Coimbra: the Coastal Corridor (A8, A17 and A15) and Itinerário Complementar 2 (IC2).

A1 (Coimbra Norte–Coimbra Sul) closure: recommended alternative routes

Along the coast, the most organised alternative with the greatest ability to handle traffic is the A8/A17/A15 corridor, depending on the direction of travel:

• South–North: Drivers should take the A8 (Oeste) or use the A15 to connect with the A17, which provides a direct coastal link up to the Aveiro area, where they can rejoin the A1 or continue via the A29.
• North–South: The reverse applies, with traffic diverted around Aveiro/Mira towards Figueira da Foz and Leiria via the A17.

IC2, meanwhile, is the most immediate option for those who need to travel close to the city of Coimbra. However, it is important to note that, due to the large volume of traffic being redirected from the A1, IC2 may see severe slowdowns and long queues, particularly during peak hours.

Works may take weeks

The two-way closure of the A1 between kilometres 198 and 189 was triggered by the rupture of a dyke on the bank of the River Mondego and the resulting risk of subsidence in the motorway surface - something that, in fact, occurred around three hours after the section was shut.

Speaking to SIC Notícias, the Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, described the situation as “absolutely extraordinary” and indicated that several weeks will be needed to repair the damage on what is the country’s main motorway.

“Until the waters go down, a full intervention cannot be carried out. It will certainly take weeks for us to get this infrastructure back in service for the Portuguese,” said Miguel Pinto Luz.