The Regional Secretary for Transport and Public Works stated today that the first phase of the intervention in the land logistics circuit of S. Miguel Island should be concluded by the end of the first quarter of 2018. It consists of the consolidation of the slopes of the Regional Road no.2-2 in the Furnas/Ribeira Quente section.
 
Ana Cunha spoke during a visit to the works in progress, announcing that the second phase of this intervention "should be launched within a month or so."
 
The Secretary for Public Works pointed out that this first intervention encompasses the implementation of three different solutions, namely "changes in the slopes, which include the protection of the surface and the reduction of the slope angle." As for other sections of the road, the intervention will "divert the road and the slope with the construction of a ditch system between the slopes and the road to collect water." Moreover, the slopes located in less critical areas will be protected with nets or coated with cement."
 
With this intervention, the Government of the Azores "implements an investment of around five million Euros." The work fulfils an old demand of the village of Ribeira Quente, also complying with the provisions of the Programme of the Government, said the Regional Secretary.
 
Asked about the bypass road to Furnas and the road linking Furnas to Povoação, Ana Cunha revealed that "this is a work estimated at around 25 million Euros." According to her, "the project is concluded and is now at the stage of environmental impact study and economic study. The latter is focused on the financing conditions as the work is not covered by Community funds and. In this context, it was necessary to request an economic feasibility study to assess the best way to finance this work.