“The decision has immediate effect and follows an assessment by the Municipal Civil Protection Service, which identified a worsening of the infrastructure's state of disrepair,” says a press release from the city hall.

The Vista Alegre Bridge provides a crossing over the Boco River and has seen an increase in traffic due to water network expansion works in Gafanha de Aquém, which may have contributed to worsening its condition.

“Reopening is dependent on a detailed technical assessment and a possible rehabilitation intervention to restore safety conditions,” informs the Ílhavo City Council.

According to the press release, pedestrian and bicycle traffic remains authorised "as long as there are no objective risks to users, provided the area is properly signposted and monitored."

The statement from the city hall asks for the understanding of residents and emphasizes that the closure aims to safeguard public safety, "in a context of fragility of that municipal road infrastructure."