Safety: improvement of the section between Tamel S. Fins, Aborim and Balugães

The Barcelos City Council has finally begun the long-awaited improvement works on the Caminos de Santiago in the parishes of Tamel S. Fins, Aborim, and Balugães, a project envisioned for over 10 years. The works were unlocked after IP – Infraestruturas de Portugal (Portuguese Infrastructure Authority) approved the intervention on the Estrada Nacional 308 (National Road 308) and other roads in the northern part of the municipality. The project, costing 409,000 euros and with an execution period of 270 days, aims to improve circulation and safety conditions for pilgrims, especially along the Estrada Nacional 308 (National Road 308) and the Estrada Regional 204 (Regional Road 204), in the northern part of the municipality.

The intervention will include the creation of a pedestrian path over approximately 500 meters, between the intersection of EM 543 (Municipal Road 543), near the Casa da Recoleta Albergue, and the intersection with EM 549 (Municipal Road 549). The works will span both residential and forested areas. Currently, pedestrians are forced to walk along shoulders or ditches, posing increased risks for both pilgrims and drivers.

To enhance safety, several measures will be implemented, including the creation of pedestrian crossings and sidewalks, particularly along the Estrada Nacional 308 (National Road 308). These interventions will be complemented by the installation of road signage and chromatic bands designed to reduce traffic speed and provide greater safety for users.

According to the Barcelos City Council, this work is part of a broader plan of interventions on various sections of the Caminos de Santiago, being executed in phases. The goal is to provide more comfortable and safer conditions for those traveling this important pilgrimage route, connecting the historical tradition of the Camino de Santiago with the modernization of local road infrastructure.