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BR-381, known for its traffic jams and accidents, is about to be transformed! The federal government has announced an investment of R$1,3 billion to double the stretch between Belo Horizonte and Caeté, including R$300 million to evict thousands of families. Find out how this project promises to revolutionize transportation and life in the region!
BR-381, one of the main highways in Minas Gerais, is about to undergo a significant transformation.
Known for its winding stretches and heavy traffic, especially between Belo Horizonte and Caeté, the road has been the scene of frequent traffic jams and accidents, causing inconvenience for drivers and residents of the region.
On Thursday (06), the federal government announced an ambitious plan that promises to change this scenario and bring long-awaited improvements to road users.
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At a press conference held in Belo Horizonte, the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, revealed that approximately R$300 million will be allocated to the expropriation and relocation of families residing in the stretches of BR-381 that will be duplicated, specifically between Belo Horizonte and Ravena, and between Ravena and Caeté.
The total investment by the Union for the stretch between the capital of Minas Gerais and Caeté is estimated at around R$1,3 billion, in addition to the resources that will be provided by the private sector in the segment that extends to Governador Valadares.
Challenges of expropriations
The duplication of BR-381 faces significant challenges, especially with regard to the expropriations required to widen the road.
The stretch between Belo Horizonte and Caeté is considered one of the most complex due to the presence of approximately 2.000 families living on the side of the highway.
Removing these families requires careful planning and a sensitive approach to minimize social impacts.
Renan Filho highlighted that the State is more familiar with dealing with these issues, with social assistance and access to the Judiciary and the Federal Public Ministry, which monitor the process.
For this reason, the government chose to assume responsibility for the expropriations, removing this section of the concession from the private sector.
Progress in duplication works
The BR-381 duplication works are divided into different lots, each with its own specificities and schedules.
Lot 8A, which comprises the stretch between Ravena and Caeté, has already had its contract signed with Construtora Luiz Costa Ltda., winner of the bid.
The interventions in this segment, which is approximately 12 kilometers long, are expected to be completed in three and a half years, with an investment of approximately R$400 million.
Lot 8B, which covers the stretch between Belo Horizonte and Ravena, is in the bidding phase for the contracting of the basic and executive projects for the works.
The notice was published in September 2024, and the opening of the envelopes with proposals from interested companies is scheduled for December 4 of the same year. The estimated investment for this 13,4-kilometer stretch is R$521 million.
Community expectations and concerns
The duplication of BR-381 is a historic demand of the population of Minas Gerais, who have been dealing with infrastructure and safety problems on the highway for years.
The promise of an immediate start to the works brings hope to many, but also raises concerns, especially among the families who will be expropriated.
The relocation of these people must be conducted in a fair and transparent manner, ensuring that they receive the necessary support throughout the process.
Furthermore, movements such as Pró-Vidas BR-381 have been mobilizing to closely monitor the progress of the tenders and ensure that there are no delays or suspensions in the established schedules.
Recently, representatives of the movement met with the Comptroller General of the Union (CGU) to discuss the progress of the Lot 8B notice and express their concerns about possible postponements.
Economic and social impact
The duplication of BR-381 not only promises to improve traffic flow and increase user safety, but also has the potential to boost the region's economic development.
With a more efficient road infrastructure, a reduction in transportation costs and an increase in the competitiveness of local companies are expected.
However, it is crucial that the process of expropriation and relocation of families is conducted with social responsibility.
The federal government says it is committed to providing the necessary support to affected families, ensuring that the transition occurs in a fair manner and that residents' rights are respected.
Next Steps on BR-381
With the contracts signed and the bidding processes underway, the expectation is that the BR-381 duplication works will begin in the first half of 2025.
The federal government, in partnership with the private sector, is committed to transform the highway, meeting a long-standing demand from the population of Minas Gerais and promoting significant improvements in the state's transport infrastructure.
The community is eagerly awaiting the progress of the works and hopes that the promised benefits will materialize, bringing more security and development to the region.
This is done with tax money and then donated to multinationals to exploit the people through tolls with world-class rates, infringing on their constitutional right to come and go, in addition to being double taxation, as for the IPVA to maintain the highways, and nobody complains, they accept everything.