The project is ambitious, but it will go ahead: Via Formosa will be a reality in 2019. A footbridge, with a length of 28 kilometers and four bridges, will connect the barrier islands of Ria Formosa to the municipalities of Faro and Olhão.
The idea is to make it possible to go on foot, or by bicycle, from Praia de Faro, where the walkway begins, until Fuzeta, where it ends. In between, Via Formosa passes through the islands of Culatra, Armona and Fuzeta.
The investment in the work will be partially financed by the Polis Society, which means that the municipalities of Faro and Olhão, for now, are abdicating the works that were planned for their municipalities in this area: the redevelopment of the riverfront, in Olhão, and the new bridge at Praia de Faro.
O Sul Informação he found that the basis of the decision of the two municipalities is the strong economic impact that this work, unique in the world, promises to have, particularly in tourism, where «an enormous immediate return is expected».
In addition to this issue, the works on the Olhão riverfront, whose competition should be released in April, have caused some discomfort in the city and the municipality will rethink the project.
In the case of the Praia de Faro, the car park outside the island has been showing signs of being able to lighten the load on the infrastructure.
Sources from both executives told our newspaper that these works continue to be "priority", but can wait for the new community support framework, in 2021, which will have an increased budget for public investments.
With regard to Via Formosa, the Polis money is not enough to carry out the entire work and the remaining amount, around six million euros, will be divided, in equal parts, by the Chambers of Faro and Olhão.
At an early stage, the Câmara de Tavira also showed interest in Via Formosa reaching the municipality, but the fact that the funds allocated to each municipality by the Polis Society, have already been invested in the requalification of Quatro Águas, the autarchy's interest waned.
Drawbridges will connect the islands
The construction of drawbridges, which allow the passage of larger vessels, including to the Commercial Port of Faro, was the solution found so as not to harm navigability in the Ria Formosa.
These bridges, inspired by the bivalves of the Ria, will be "one of the Algarve's ex-libris" and promise to "put Via Formosa in tourist guides around the world," a local source told our newspaper.
The solution found was developed by the architecture firm WilkinsonEyre, which built the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, in the United Kingdom.
Contacted by our newspaper, the company revealed that the Via Formosa bridges «will be a “greener” version of the Gateshead Millenium Bridge. They will fit in with the surrounding landscape and will be built mostly in wood. We also took into account the use of renewable energy, because it is a Natural Park we are talking about. Therefore, the elevation of the bridge will be done using solar panels».
It will also be through solar panels that will be powered by three charging points for electric bicycles. These will be located at Praia de Faro, in Ilha da Culatra and in Fuzeta.
This is, in fact, one of the ways found to make the work profitable in the immediate future, as three rental points for these vehicles will be leased by the local authorities, supported by a bar.
O Sul Informação found that there are already companies interested in exploring these places, two of which, so far, work in the maritime-tourism area.
One of these entrepreneurs, who preferred to remain anonymous, considers that “the work is good, but not for those who take trips in the Ria Formosa. We were heard by the Chambers, we said that, and we were advised to change branches. And that is what we are thinking of doing».
Note: This news was a departure from Sul Informação to mark April Fools' Day (April 1). Therefore, for now, there will be no bridge connecting the barrier islands of Ria Formosa in the municipalities of Olhão and Faro.
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