Environmental Protection

Motorways are routes of progress and development. In parallel, however, being large linear infrastructures where motor vehicles circulate, motorways can have elements likely to cause some disruption in the areas or locations where they are placed.

Thus, when developing studies and projects for motorways, toll road operators are looking for solutions that, being supported by an assessment of the technical and economical feasibility, allow the conciliation of different perspectives of the various entities involved (designers, toll road operators, local authorities, governmental authorities with responsibilities in environmental or technical issues) and of the various aspects of the studies associated with the criteria of circulation, safety, drainage, pavement and environmental protection. It is this multidisciplinary interaction throughout the various phases of project that keeps adjusting the solutions up to the point of balance between the functional requirements of the highway and its correct insertion in the environment.

On the other hand, during the construction phase, there is a special concern with the implementation of the best environmental practices through the development of environmental management procedures for construction works that aim at minimizing impacts, providing environmental and archaeological support, environmental monitoring and landscape integration and restoration.

Finally, in the operation phase, APCAP members are still concerned with implementing environment efficiency solutions and environmental impact minimization measures when their need is backed by the results of the environmental monitoring of the highway network. At this stage, the actions of environmental monitoring have been playing a crucial role at making a wealth of data available which generates relevant knowledge for the definition of optimized and sustainable investment solutions in order to protect the environment.