A source from the concessionaire indicated that the collapse occurred on the slab over the embankment that provides access to the viaduct in that area.

A source from the GNR General Command confirmed to Lusa damage to the A1 platform in the area near where the dyke burst in Casais, on the right bank of the Mondego, at kilometre 191.

Brisa had already confirmed on the afternoon of Wednesday, 11 February, that traffic on the A1 had been cut off between the Coimbra Norte and Coimbra Sul junctions in both directions due to the bursting of a dyke on the Mondego River.

The GNR indicated that the main alternative to this closure is the Complementary Route 2 (IC2).

The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, told SIC Notícias that the Government was aware of what was happening and that “the problem had been monitored for several days by the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC)”.

“The situation is absolutely extraordinary. The water dug under the structure, causing the collapse visible in the images. We are calmly monitoring the situation, but we are concerned,” he stressed, adding that he is on his way to the site.

Miguel Pinto Luz added that the government had ordered the closure of the A1 to avoid risks to the population.

The collapse of the dyke on the right bank of the Mondego River has increased the risk of flooding in that region.

The government has extended the state of emergency until the 15th for 68 municipalities and announced support measures of up to €2.5 billion.

Alternatives to traffic

Brisa suggested that motorists use alternatives to the North-South motorway disruption at the Coimbra Sul junction, at kilometre 191, via the A8/A17/A25 corridor or the IC2.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the concessionaire admitted that, “as it is not possible at this time to estimate when the repair work will be completed,” it is committed to “minimising disruption” and that “the A8/A17/A25 corridor or the IC2 can be used as alternative routes.”