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1.120-meter bridge with an investment of R$173 million will be built over the São Francisco River
The bidding for the construction of the long-awaited bridge over the San Francisco River, located on MG-402, connecting the municipalities of São Francisco and Pintópolis, in the North of Minas Gerais, is in its final phase. This project, which has been expected for over 70 years, promises to significantly improve the region's infrastructure and connectivity, boosting the economic and social development of the municipalities involved.
At 1.120 meters long, 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 valued at R$173.844.790,50, with the proposal approved by SA Paulista Construções e Comércio at a value of R$158.500.000,00.
São Francisco River Bridge – Winning proposal and fierce competition
Six companies competed to execute this grand project. The proposal from SA Paulista Construções e Comércio was approved on Monday, October 4, by the bidding committee of the Minas Gerais Highway Department (DER-MG). This proposal represented a value 8,83% below the initial budget.
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The PRSF consortium, comprised of SA Paulista, Azevedo & Travassos Infraestrutura Ltda and Benito Roggio e Hijos Sociedad Anônima (from Argentina), is the main party responsible for the proposal. The official definition of the winner of the bidding process will only take place after October 12, when the deadline for analyzing the appeals submitted by other competing companies, such as Rivoli Construções Ltda. and Construbase Engenharia Ltda., ends.
This construction has a significant impact on mobility and regional development, meeting a historical demand from the local population and favoring the flow of people and goods. The bridge is expected to be completed within 720 days after the issuance of the service order.
History of a challenging project
The work is not recent: started in 2022, the construction faced financial difficulties with the previously contracted company, resulting in the termination of the contract. After this situation, the Government of Minas Gerais, with the support of the Public Ministry, resumed the bidding process to ensure that the São Francisco River bridge was completed.
Governor Romeu Zema, in recent statements, reinforced that the resources have always been available and that this construction is essential for the North of Minas. A recent video on the YouTube channel Construction Time reports the history of this project, detailing the challenges and expectations for its completion. Click here and watch the video on Youtube.
Impacts on infrastructure and economic development
In addition to the bridge, paving of the MG-402 and MG-202 highways is underway, aiming to connect Pintópolis to Urucuia and other municipalities in the region. With a length of 73 kilometers, the paving of this road will facilitate the flow of agricultural production and boost economic development, directly benefiting approximately 100 inhabitants.
This project will reduce travel time between the North of Minas Gerais and Brasília by more than two hours, expanding access to the market and improving transportation safety. Approximately 30 kilometers are expected to be paved by the end of 2024.
The role of the bridge for regional integration
The bridge over the São Francisco River, when completed, will serve approximately 1,2 million people. At 13,8 meters wide, the structure will facilitate crossings previously made by ferry, promoting more efficient economic and social integration. This is a monumental work that meets long-standing demands and stands as a new milestone in the infrastructure of Minas Gerais, connecting the north of the state to the center-west and northeast of Brazil.
In addition to facilitating the movement of people and goods, this infrastructure will allow the region to advance in other areas, consolidating itself as a development hub and promoting access to essential services. This initiative marks a new phase for the North of Minas, positively impacting the lives of residents and promoting employment and income.
A second bridge on 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 offer a safe alternative for pedestrians and cyclists.
The work, financed by the Federal Government, is part of efforts to improve infrastructure and accessibility in historically marginalized regions with little road integration.
This bridge doesn't even have a start date.
Unbelievable, even bigger, but the value of the work is absurd, it's hard to believe.
PT Government. Pray that they finish the works
Will this bridge be built before the one here? Penedo -Neópolis. Also on the São Francisco River?