The Loures Riverside Path is one of the most symbolically important public spaces in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
The Loures Riverside Path is one of the most symbolically important public spaces in the Lisbon metropolitan areaThis shows a territory that is better connected. For the first time, Loures turns to the river. And for the first time too, there is a pedestrian and cycling connection - pleasant and safe - between Lisbon, Loures and Vila Franca de Xira.
O Loures River Path consists of six kilometers of wooden walkways. It begins at the Trancão cycle bridge, inaugurated at the end of July, and ends at the gates of the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, where the Tagus Estuary Linear Path begins (of which only a section remains to be built in Alverca). Along the six kilometers, there are several shaded areas with benches and some birdwatching spots. There are also exits, which will, for example, connect the walkways to the Loures' future riverside green parkIt will be built on the grounds that hosted World Youth Day and should be ready by the end of next year.
Open to pedestrians and cyclists, the walkways have sufficient width to allow healthy coexistence between different usersBut it will be necessary for cyclists, particularly those who use their bikes for sporting purposes, to moderate their speed, especially when passing people on foot. After all, the Loures Riverside Path is not a sports facility, but rather a leisure and mobility infrastructure. In fact, if on the one hand it's good for a quiet stroll at the end of the day or at the weekend, on the other hand it can be used for everyday trips around Lisbon, Sacavém, Bobadela, Santa Iria da Azóia and the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira.
In any case, those who take the Loures Riverside Path won't be able to fully immerse themselves in nature and forget about the urban environment for a moment, due to the road noise coming from the IC2, which is very close to the walkways. This is a disadvantage of this new route compared to the Tagus Estuary Linear Trail in Vila Franca de Xira, which is not accompanied by a major road infrastructure.
The Câmara de Loures says "the work isn't finished yet"In addition, 1621 trees and 41,4240 shrubs have yet to be planted, as well as restoring the entire area of marshland impacted by the construction of the walkways, which will be done during the fall/winter, "the ideal height for this type of planting". Also missing is the signposting of the Trail, placed only on the section near the municipality of Lisbon and the Trancão cycle bridge, with the inauguration of the equipment in mind.
