Towards a Connected Eurocity: Cross-border Mobility and Connectivity
Bridges that unite is the name given to the pilot project for the Cross-border mobility and connectivity. Its aim is to overcome the physical barriers that still separate Ayamonte, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, generating an integrated system of cycle-pedestrian and public transport connections that allows citizens to move fluidly between the three municipalities, as if it were a single city.
The territorial analysis carried out has revealed three major shortcomings: the absence of cycle-pedestrian connectivity, the fragmentation of pedestrian and cycle routes along the coastline and the Guadiana River, and the lack of an integrated public transport system. Three projects emerge from this analysis:
M01. Cycle-pedestrian walkway on the Guadiana International Bridge
M02. Cross-border network of footbridges and pedestrian and cycle routes
M03. Integrated public transport system and digital mobility platform
M01. Expansion of the Guadiana International Bridge
This proposal plans the construction of a new infrastructure attached to the Guadiana International Bridge that will allow the connection for pedestrian and cycling mobility between Spain and Portugal. This infrastructure will receive the new projected itineraries and will allow, for the first time, to cross the river on foot or by bicycle in a safe and direct way, thus integrating the networks of footpaths and bicycle lanes of Spain and Portugal.
Benefits for the Eurocity
- Direct connection between Spain and Portugal without the need for vehicles.
- Sustainable and accessible alternative for citizens and tourism.
- Visible symbol of cross-border cooperation and integration.
Objectives and Targets
- Completing the cross-border active mobility network.
- Reduce CO₂ emissions on short journeys.
- Promote the urban and social integration of the three municipalities.
In short, this action will enable the Eurocity to make a qualitative leap in its mobility, incorporating a safe and sustainable axis that reinforces its shared identity.
Pilot Project M01:
Extension of the Guadiana International Bridge with a pedestrian-cycle footbridge.
Promotes:
Eurociudad del Guadiana EGTC
Phase:
Proposal / Feasibility Study
Duration:
36 months
Location:
Ayamonte / VRSA /Castro Marim
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M02. Cross-border network for sustainable mobility
The second proposal seeks to create a large continuous coastal and river itinerary connecting the beaches and marshes of the Eurocity by means of wooden walkways, paths and rehabilitated trails. The project envisages completing and linking the existing walkways on the Portuguese beaches, adding new sections where there is still no continuity and extending the route to Praia de Santo António and the Espigón de Vila Real de Santo António.
From there, historic paths adapted as cycle-pedestrian paths are integrated and linked to the International Bridge. On the Spanish side, the itinerary would reach Ayamonte and finally Isla Canela, crossing flood zones with elevated walkways.
Benefits for the Eurocity
- Strengthening sustainable mobility and nature tourism
- Integration of natural areas such as marshes, estuaries and beaches into a common system.
- Creation of a flagship route on a transnational scale
Objectives and Targets
- Enhance the value of the coastline and the estuaries as spaces for citizen encounters.
- Promote cross-border cycle tourism and hiking.
- Ensure universal accessibility to nature reserves and coastal areas.
This subproject will not only generate an iconic route, but will also transform the coastline and the marshes into a shared and accessible resource, capable of attracting visitors and strengthening territorial cohesion.
Pilot Project M02:
Cross-border network of footbridges and pedestrian and cycle routes
Promotes:
Eurociudad del Guadiana EGTC
Phase:
Proposal / Feasibility Study
Duration:
18 months
Location:
Ayamonte / VRSA /Castro Marim
Share:
M03. Integrated public/private transport system
The third proposal is the development of a joint public transport system for the three Eurocity municipalities. The idea is to implement a single ticket valid on cross-border buses, shuttles and ferries, accompanied by coordinated timetables to facilitate daily mobility. A real-time digital platform will provide information on routes, frequencies and occupancy, as well as integrating shared mobility services.
Benefits for the Eurocity
- Strengthening social and functional cohesion between the three municipalities.
- Increased accessibility for residents, tourists and workers.
- Pioneering example of integration of cross-border public services.
Objectives and Targets
- Ensure smooth and sustainable connectivity throughout the Eurocity.
- Promote the use of public transport over private vehicles.
- Positioning the Eurocity as an area without borders in terms of mobility.
With this project, the Eurocity will move from being an administratively shared territory to a truly integrated community, where moving between municipalities is as easy as moving within a city.
Pilot Project M03:
Integrated public/private transport system
Promotes:
Eurociudad del Guadiana EGTC
Phase:
Proposal / Feasibility Study
Duration:
12 months
Location:
Ayamonte / VRSA /Castro Marim
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