In response to the Lusa news agency, Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) stated that the resin spill on the IP3 highway, between the Miro junction (municipality of Penacova) and the Penacova junction (district of Coimbra), caused “significant contamination of the wearing course, compromising the grip characteristics and safety conditions of the infrastructure.”

Damage to the pavement

Given the extent of the damage to the pavement, it was concluded that simply removing the resin was not enough to restore safe traffic conditions in that section, and that “it is necessary to replace the surface layer of the pavement in the affected areas,” it explained.

According to IP, the procedures necessary for the start of the works are being finalised and, although the duration of the intervention depends on the technical solution to be adopted, it is foreseeable "that the works will extend over several days", making it necessary to maintain the road closure, in both directions, since Monday.

Also in response to Lusa, IP stated that the company that owns the vehicle that spilt resin on the pavement "expressed willingness to assume the costs inherent to restoring traffic conditions".

The intervention will include milling the pavement wear layer, applying a new layer, rehabilitating the pavement, installing new horizontal signage, and cleaning drainage ditches and structures "with the use of water collection equipment", it said.

Until the works are completed, the current traffic diversions will remain in place.

Progress of the intervention

"Infraestruturas de Portugal will continue to monitor the progress of the intervention, seeking to ensure its completion as quickly as possible, without compromising the quality and safety of the works," it stressed.

According to IP (Infraestruturas de Portugal), the response to the incident has involved collaboration with other entities, such as the Fire Department, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the GNR (National Republican Guard), and the Penacova City Council, among others.