1,120-Meter Bridge and Investment of R$ 173 Million Will Be Built Over the São Francisco River
The bidding for the long-awaited bridge over the São Francisco River, located on MG-402, connecting the municipalities of São Francisco and Pintópolis in the northern part of Minas Gerais, is in the final phase. This project, anticipated for over 70 years, promises to significantly improve the infrastructure and connection of the region, boosting the economic and social development of the municipalities involved.
Spanning 1,120 meters, the São Francisco River bridge is a true engineering landmark and a dream that is coming closer to reality. The project is part of the Provias program and is estimated to cost R$ 173,844,790.50, with the proposal approved by S.A. Paulista Construções e Comércio amounting to R$ 158,500,000.00.

São Francisco River Bridge – Winning Proposal and Fierce Competition
Six companies competed for the execution of this grand project. The proposal from S.A. Paulista Construções e Comércio was approved on Monday, October 4, by the bidding commission of the Department of Roads of Minas Gerais (DER-MG). This proposal represented a value 8.83% below the initial budget.
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The PRSF consortium, composed of S.A. Paulista, Azevedo & Travassos Infraestrutura Ltda, and Benito Roggio y Hijos Sociedad Anónima (from Argentina), is primarily responsible for the proposal. The official announcement of the winner of the bidding process will only occur after October 12, when the deadlines for analyzing appeals presented by other competing companies, such as Rivoli Construções Ltda and Construbase Engenharia Ltda, end.
This construction has a significant impact on regional mobility and development, meeting a historical demand from the local population and facilitating the flow of people and goods. The expectation is that the bridge will be completed within 720 days after the order of service is issued.
History of a Challenging Project
The project is not recent: initiated in 2022, the construction faced financial difficulties with the previously contracted company, resulting in the termination of the contract. Following this situation, the Government of Minas, with the support of the Public Ministry, resumed the bidding process to ensure the completion of the São Francisco River bridge.
Governor Romeu Zema, in recent statements, emphasized that funds have always been available and that this construction is essential for northern Minas. A recent video on the YouTube channel Construction Time details the history of this project, highlighting the challenges and expectations for its completion. Click here to watch the video on YouTube.
Impacts on Infrastructure and Economic Development
In addition to the bridge, the paving of highways MG-402 and MG-202 is underway, aiming to connect Pintópolis to Urucuia and other municipalities in the region. Extending 73 kilometers, the paving of this road will facilitate the flow of agricultural production and boost economic development, directly benefiting around 100,000 residents.
This project will reduce travel time between northern Minas and Brasília by more than two hours, enhancing market access and improving transportation safety. It is expected that approximately 30 kilometers will be paved by the end of 2024.
The Role of the Bridge in Regional Integration
The bridge over the São Francisco River, when completed, will serve approximately 1.2 million people. With a width of 13.8 meters, the structure will facilitate crossing that was previously done by ferries, promoting a more efficient economic and social integration. This is a monumental project that addresses long-standing demands and positions itself as a new landmark in Minas Gerais’ infrastructure, connecting the northern part of the state to the Midwest and Northeast of Brazil.
In addition to facilitating the movement of people and goods, this infrastructure will enable the region to advance in other areas, solidifying itself as a development hub and promoting access to essential services. This initiative marks a new phase for northern Minas, positively impacting residents’ lives and promoting employment and income.
A Second Bridge Over the São Francisco River
Meanwhile, a new bridge over the São Francisco River is under construction, connecting the cities of Penedo in Alagoas and Neópolis in Sergipe. With a length of 1,080 meters and an investment of R$ 203 million, the structure promises to facilitate travel between the states and provide a safe alternative for pedestrians and cyclists.
The project, funded by the Federal Government, is part of efforts to improve infrastructure and accessibility for historically marginalized regions with little roadway integration.

Será que essa ponte vai sair primeiro que a daqui? Penedo -Neópolis. Também no Rio São Francisco?
Inacreditável mesmo grande mais um absurdo o valor da obra não pra acredita
Governo PT. Reze para que eles terminem a obras
Mentira essa ponte não tem nem previsão de início
Bem iniciada já está, não sei se vai terminar.