"IP informs that, as part of the construction of the new bypass to Olhão, and to complete the construction work on the roundabout at kilometre 111.6 and its access points to the EN125, traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction until the end of August," the company managing the Portuguese road network estimated in a statement.

IP appealed for drivers' understanding during the construction work, which has been underway in and around Olhão for several weeks, emphasising that the work will allow "improved safety and traffic flow for those traveling on the EN125, diverting traffic that currently passes through the urban area out of the city."

The company noted that the bypass project represents an investment of €14.4 million, is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), and the new road will be approximately six kilometres long, with one lane in each direction and several roundabouts connecting to the local road network.