Urban Redevelopment Project for Estrada do Vale do Alva, Phase 3, Section III – Aldeia das Dez

Vale de Maceira, Municipality of Oliveira do Hospital

Introduction

This article details the Execution Project for the improvement of the Vale do Alva Road, specifically Section III of its 3rd phase, which establishes the connection between the villages of Aldeia das Dez and Vale de Maceira. The intervention covers an approximate length of 6,000 meters and assumes significant importance in the municipal road network, guaranteeing connectivity between these localities. The project was developed based on a rigorous local topographic survey, connected to the country’s geodetic network.

Context and Need

The road under study presents pronounced mountain characteristics, with a difference in elevation of approximately 235 meters between its extreme points. This orography severely conditions the road’s layout, resulting in a winding road with steep slopes and very tight curves.

The need for intervention is based on the current difficulties in traffic flow and safety, given the geometric limitations that prevent profound corrections to the road’s alignment or vertical slope. Thus, the central objective of the study focused on improving the existing infrastructure, evaluating the state of conservation of the pavement, the stability of the slopes, and the effectiveness of the installed drainage and safety systems, in order to guarantee safer and more fluid traffic flow.

Summary of the Project Completed

The solution adopted by Envisquantis prioritized the technical improvement of the current platform, while respecting the geographical constraints of the mountainous terrain.

• Paving: A flexible pavement structure was defined for the main road, consisting of a wearing course and a dense bituminous mixture course (both 5 cm thick), laid on base and sub-base layers of coarse aggregate with extensive granulometry (ABGE). Public and private utilities were also integrated into the paving plan.
• Surface Drainage: The project included the construction and maintenance of hydraulic passages for transverse drainage. Marginal drainage is ensured by the slopes of the platform, directing water to concrete-lined ditches, designed with specific geometry (1:4 and 1:1) to prevent undermining and ensure efficient evacuation to watercourses or neighboring land.
• Geometry and Layout: Overwidths were planned on the inner surfaces of curves and the construction of sidewalks in urban areas. Due to the mountainous layout, the design was adjusted for a base speed of 40 km/h, being lower in specific locations where terrain conditions require it. Safety Equipment: The safety plan includes vertical signage (code and information) and horizontal road markings. Given the sinuosity and characteristics of the slopes, the installation of metal guardrails along the entire left side of the path was planned to protect users.

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