The Algarve’s EN125 that runs from the border with Spain to the end of the known world again has been awarded the accolade of being the country’s most perilous road - the 'road of death' is well deserving of its sobriquet.
The spectacular number of accidents, with the help of four recognised and well used accident black spots, are noted in the National Road Safety Authority’s report for 2015.
José Miguel Trigoso, president of the road accident prevention association, expressed amazement that there were still accident black spots on the EN125, especially at Vila do Bispo and Faro, as these were meant to have been smoothed out with the recent extensive roadworks with crossroads replaced with roundabouts precisely to avoid traffic jams and accidents.
The reason for the rise in accidents is mathematical: due to the A22 tolls, significantly more traffic is using the EN125 and more journeys mean more accidents.
The EN125 western roadworks, sensibly on hold for two high tourism months, were meant to restart on September 1st, 2016 but as the contractor has not been paid by the Treasury, and the sub-contractors have not been paid by the main contractor, work has stalled.
The start of the eastern Algarve EN125 upgrade project between Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António remains a distant dream, long forgotten, leaving but a wispy, elfin trace in the Algarve’s collective memory.
