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Discover the Raúl Uranga – Carlos Sylvestre Begnis Subfluvial Tunnel, a pioneering project in South America that has connected the cities of Santa Fé and Paraná since 1969, revolutionizing transportation in the region.
Have you ever imagined crossing a huge river without needing a ferry or bridge? Well, that is the idea behind an underwater tunnel, an incredible solution that has already been used around the world to connect places separated by large bodies of water. One of the oldest and most important examples in South America is the Subfluvial Tunnel. Raúl Uranga – Carlos Sylvestre Begnis, which connects the cities of Santa Fe and Paraná, in Argentina. Since its inauguration in 1969, it has changed the lives of thousands of people, allowing a quick and safe crossing of the Paraná River. In this article, we will explore the history, structure and importance of the Subfluvial Tunnel, as well as talk about other submerged tunnel projects that are being planned in Brazil.
What is an underwater tunnel?
An underwater tunnel, as the name suggests, is a structure built beneath bodies of water, such as rivers or seas. Unlike bridges, it offers a practical solution for crossing waterways without hindering the flow of vessels. A famous example is the Channel Tunnel, which connects the United Kingdom to France across the English Channel, and is an impressive 50,45 kilometers long.
In South America, the highlight is the Subfluvial Tunnel on the Paraná River, which was a pioneer of its kind on the continent. At 2.937 meters long, it was one of the first major engineering works to facilitate the road connection between the Argentine provinces of Santa Fé and Entre Ríos.
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Subfluvial tunnel Raúl Uranga – Carlos Sylvestre Begnis
Opened on December 13, 1969, the Subfluvial Tunnel was a landmark for Argentina. It connects the cities of Santa Fe and Paraná, which previously depended exclusively on ferries to cross the Paraná River. The project was the result of an agreement between governors Raúl Uranga and Carlos Sylvestre Begnis, after whom the tunnel is named.
With a single lane and one lane in each direction, the tunnel allows the passage of around 12.613 vehicles per day. The crossing takes approximately three minutes, with a permitted speed between 40 km/h and 60 km/h. In addition, the tunnel is monitored 24 hours a day by an operations center that ensures the safety of users.
Why choose an underwater tunnel?
The choice of an underwater tunnel to cross the Paraná River was strategic. A bridge could hinder the flow of navigation on the river, while the tunnel offers an efficient and safe solution for road traffic. In addition, the structure requires less maintenance comparison to bridges, which makes it an economical option in the long run.
Another important point is the safety technology used. The Subfluvial Tunnel has cameras, carbon monoxide sensors and sound systems for warnings. In case of emergencies, there are niches with fire extinguishers and hydrants every 100 meters, in addition to a pumping system to prevent flooding.
The construction of the Subfluvial Tunnel had a significant impact on the development of the cities of Santa Fe and Paraná. The road connection facilitated the transportation of people and goods, boosting the local economy and increasing integration between the two provinces. Today, the Santa Fe-Paraná metropolitan region is home to almost one million inhabitants, who benefit daily from this infrastructure.
Submerged tunnel projects in Brazil
The success of the Subfluvial Tunnel in Argentina has inspired similar projects in other countries, including Brazil. Currently, two submerged tunnel projects are being planned here: Santos-Guarujá Immersed Tunnel, in São Paulo, and the tunnel on the Itajaí-Açu River, in Santa Catarina.
Santos-Guarujá submerged tunnel
On the coast of São Paulo, the underwater tunnel project between Santos and Guaruja It has been expected for almost a century. Recently, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas sanctioned a law that authorizes a public-private partnership (PPP) for the construction of the project, with completion scheduled for 2028. The tunnel will be 870 meters long and will speed up the crossing, which is currently done by ferry and can take up to 30 minutes.
The new structure will allow the passage of vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, in addition to having an adaptable lane for Light Rail Vehicles (LRV). With an estimated investment of R$6 billion, the tunnel promises to reduce crossing time to just five minutes.
Submerged tunnel in the Itajaí-Açu River
Another promising project is the underwater tunnel that will connect the cities of Itajaí and Navegantes, in Santa Catarina. At 300 meters long, it will be an efficient alternative for traffic, offering six lanes, including one exclusively for electric buses (BRT). Although there is still no set date for the start of construction, the project is an important bet to improve urban mobility in the region.
Submerged tunnels, an innovative solution
Submerged tunnels, such as the Subfluvial Tunnel in the Paraná River, are examples of engineering that transform the way we connect. They offer a safe and efficient alternative for crossing rivers and seas, without compromising the flow of vessels or the environment.
With new projects underway in Brazil, such as the Santos-Guarujá Immersed Tunnel and the Itajaí-Açu River Tunnel, the country is moving towards adopting this innovative solution in its infrastructure. These projects not only facilitate mobility, but also boost the economic and social development of the regions where they are built.
I had the pleasure of going through this tunnel several times on my way to Chile taking zero-kilometer buses and trucks, leaving from Uruguay
Reading the article gives the false idea that the tunnel is submerged.
It was built by passing under the riverbed.
Subfluvial: sub (under) fluvial (river) that is, underneath the river and not inside it.
I lived in Argentina and my father used to take us, when we were children, for a walk through the tunnel. It was exciting. Many years ago!
I didn't know about this tunnel and I'm 74 years old and I've been to all of Brazil
We would like to know more about this work of Argentine engineering.
I have an apartment in Guarujá and I've been waiting for this soap opera for a long time