LISBON’S Rossio railway tunnel is to remain closed for another year.
The delay was announced by construction consortium, Teixeira Duarte/Epos, which is responsible for carrying out the works.
The tunnel has been closed since October 2004, when cracks were discovered in the walls, threatening its imminent collapse. In the announcement, the consortium said it would need a further five years to repair the damage, and a projected budget of 31.7 million euros.
However, Rede Ferroviária Nacional, (Refer), Portugal’s national railway network, refused the extended period and said it would cancel the contract with the consortium.
After announcing that it would refuse to abandon the project, Teixeira Duarte/Epos has presented a new project, and believes the work can be finished within a year.
