New Line to Bring Breath to the East of Lisbon: 16E Tram is Coming

Anyone who walks the streets of Lisbon knows well how traffic gets clogged as it extends eastward from the historical center along the river, and how the minutes sometimes waste away on public transportation. A very concrete step is being taken to alleviate this chronic problem. The route details of the new high-speed tram line 16E, which will connect the city center to Parque Tejo, have been clarified and the project has been officially discussed.

This line, which will operate almost like an underground metro, will not only bring a new rail system to the city; It will directly connect six riverside neighborhoods, from Santa Maria Maior to Beato, from Marvila to Parque das Nações.

Journey Reduces to 35 Minutes

The most crucial point of the project is that, for the first time in Lisbon, a tram will travel on a completely dedicated (100% allocated) road and with traffic light priority. A total of 17 stops are planned on this 10.5-kilometer line, which will flow without getting stuck in traffic.

The route will start from Santa Apolónia and extend to Sacavém transfer center; It will pass through the most lively spots of the city such as Beato Innovation Zone (Unicorn Factory), Ocean Aquarium, Gare do Oriente and MEO Arena.

This distance, which currently takes approximately 1 hour by bus or transfers, will be reduced to 35 minutes thanks to 16E. The flights are planned to operate uninterruptedly at 10-minute intervals, from 06:00 in the morning until 01:00 at night.

160 Million Euro Investment and Calendar

The construction process of the 160 million euro project, supported by European Union funds, is aimed to be completed between 2028 and 2029. There will be no demolition of any buildings during the works; Only some trees on the route will be transplanted.

The vehicles to be used will be the modern, five-module articulated trams with a capacity of 220 passengers, which we are familiar with from the 15E line. When the project is implemented, it is expected that 4,800 vehicles will be removed from traffic daily and carbon emissions will decrease significantly.

The Process is Open to Public Comment

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the project is kept open to public comments and suggestions until September 30. Those who want to participate and review the details can express their opinions through the Participa portal. Additionally, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) will hold a public information meeting in the IPDJ Lisbon hall on the evening of September 14 (registration via Eventbrite is required to participate).

We eagerly await the progress of this project, which will radically change the face of the east side and the daily transportation routine, without any disruption in its schedule.

Source: Lisboa Para Pessoas (LPP)

Image Source: LPP / EIA (APA)