Regional Government Tests Traffic Solution to Ease Congestion in Ribeira Brava
Madeira GuideOn March 27, Madeira's Regional Government will implement an experimental traffic management solution in Ribeira Brava to reduce congestion in the tunnel connecting the town to Tabua.
The Regional Government of Madeira, in collaboration with the Directorate of Roads, has announced an experimental traffic management initiative aimed at alleviating the frequent congestion experienced in the Ribeira Brava tunnel. This tunnel serves as a crucial link between the southern roundabout of Ribeira Brava and the parish of Tabua.
Set to be tested on March 27, the initiative involves the installation of a traffic light system on the left lane of the descending route from Serra de Água to Ribeira Brava. This system will be activated during peak congestion times to better regulate the flow of vehicles.
According to 2025 traffic data, approximately 26,000 vehicles traverse this section of the Via Expresso daily, underscoring the need for effective traffic management solutions. The planned test will provide insights into how such measures can enhance traffic fluidity and reduce wait times.
The initiative is part of a broader study initiated in late 2025, which involved detailed traffic counts and flow analysis to identify major bottlenecks within the local road network. The study aims to develop sustainable solutions to improve the region's growing transportation demands, driven by economic development and increased mobility in Madeira's western municipalities.
Ribeira Brava, a town known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, has faced challenges due to increased traffic, impacting both residents and the tourism sector. The success of this traffic management strategy could serve as a model for similar interventions in other areas of the island.
Sources
Madeira Guide
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