Grilo Tunnel Access to be Fully Closed for Overnight Maintenance on August 25
Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) has confirmed that all access to the Grilo Tunnel on Lisbon's IC17-CRIL highway will be completely cut off in the Algés-Sacavém direction from 10:00 PM on Monday, August 25, to 6:00 AM the following morning, Tuesday, August 26. The state-run infrastructure manager announced that the eight-hour closure is necessary to carry out essential testing on the tunnel's ventilation and lighting systems. These procedures are part of a scheduled maintenance plan designed to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of one of the capital's most important road links. During the specified period, all traffic will be diverted to alternative routes, which will be clearly signposted on-site. The Public Security Police (PSP) will be present to assist with managing the flow of traffic and guiding drivers through the established detours. IP has stated that between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM on the affected days, the traffic conditions will revert to the previously implemented restrictions, with no new alterations outside of the testing window. The project specifications involve a full diagnostic check of the ventilation fans, which are critical for air quality and smoke extraction in case of a fire, as well as a complete test of the emergency and standard lighting grids. An engineer from IP, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "These are routine but critical tests. We simulate various scenarios to ensure all systems respond according to the required safety protocols. Performing this at night minimizes the impact on the thousands of citizens who use this infrastructure daily." The Grilo Tunnel is a fundamental piece of Lisbon's infrastructure, connecting key residential and commercial zones and facilitating access to major national motorways. The maintenance work is funded through IP's annual budget for infrastructure upkeep, estimated to be part of a multi-million euro investment in the national road network. Local authorities in Lisbon and Loures have been briefed on the closure to ensure municipal services are not unduly affected. The brief but total closure is expected to cause some delays for late-night travelers, but officials emphasize that the work is indispensable for preventing future, more disruptive emergency repairs. The completion of these tests will reaffirm the tunnel's compliance with national and European safety standards. Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.
