After years of uncertainty and delays in construction, the 26 km Marão Tunnel, connecting Amarante with Vila Real is to open on Sunday, charging road users tolls according to the classification of their vehicles.
Representing a total cost of 270 million euros, the tunnel promises to cut journeys to the coast by 20 minutes and offer a safer alternative to the IP4 highway often dogged by thick fog.
First started in 2009, the tunnel will be officially opened by prime minister António Costa on Saturday, but will only start taking traffic from midnight.
Meantime various bodies are campaigning against the imposition of toll charges.
