Workers have been forced to suspend construction of the roundabout until at least after August.
In a note to newspaper Correio da Manhã road management coming Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP), said, at this point, “the evaluation and excavation of structures is still under way.”
Digs already carried out have revealed a type of causeway.
“It seems to be an old road, of an unknown period, but only studies will allow conclusions to be drawn”, said IP, explaining that “works are suspended whenever something of archaeological interest is detected”.
All roadwork is accompanied by an archaeological team.
Completion of the works on the EN125 between Vila do Bispo and Olhão had been promised by authorities for the end of this month, but on the afore-mentioned stretch in particular, that will now be impossible.
Furthermore, any other ongoing work on the road will be suspended between 15 July and the end of August to allow for the seasonal influx of tourists.