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Billions of dollars in investment will be invested in one of Brazil's most historic highways, bringing a safer and more efficient future to thousands of users. Find out what's coming!
One of the most historic highways in Brazil, BR-040, which connects Rio de Janeiro to Juiz de Fora, will be revitalized with a billion-dollar investment of R$8,84 billion.
The road, which began as Estrada União e Indústria in the 19th century, is at the center of an ambitious federal government project that aims to combine memory, tourism and modern logistics.
This Wednesday (30/4), the Ministry of Transport will hold the auction for the concession of BR-040/495/MG/RJ, covering the stretch that goes from the capital of Rio de Janeiro to the city of Juiz de Fora in Minas Gerais.
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The goal is to transform one of the most emblematic sections of the Brazilian road network, modernizing its structure to meet the current flow of heavy vehicles and ensure greater safety and efficiency.
From royal road to industrial route
Opened in 1861 by Dom Pedro II, BR-040 began as Estrada União e Indústria, being the first macadamized highway in Latin America..
It connected Petrópolis, in the Fluminense mountains, to the center of Rio de Janeiro, and was essential for the transportation of coffee and for the movement of the imperial elite, who used the mountain city as a refuge during the hottest months of the year.
The innovative route was built using the macadamization technique — a system of overlapping and compacting stones — which, at the time, allowed speeds of up to 20 km/h.
A remarkable feat by 19th century standards.
BR-040 was the first paved stretch in Brazil, in 1928, by order of then president Washington Luís, consolidating its role as a pioneer in national road transport..
During the government of Juscelino Kubitschek, the road gained even more importance as it became one of the main connections between Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, the newly created federal capital.
More than history: a strategic axis for the country
Currently, BR-040 is a vital artery that connects two of the country's largest economic hubs — Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais —, responsible for around 20% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)..
The road crosses strategic industrial cities, such as Duque de Caxias, Três Rios, Juiz de Fora and Petrópolis, moving more than 20 thousand vehicles daily, including passenger cars, trucks and buses.
According to the president of the Federation of Industries of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Firjan), Luiz Césio Caetano, the highway “has not kept up with the evolution of society and industry”.
A century ago, trucks carried up to six tons. Today, vehicles with a capacity of 70 tons travel along the same structure, overloading the system and compromising the flow of traffic.
The concession foresees major improvements to the highway's infrastructure, such as widening, duplication and the construction of three tunnels on the way up the Serra de Petrópolis, one of the most critical points on the road.
These tunnels promise to alleviate traffic congestion and make the journey safer and faster.
Climbing the mountain: a challenge from the past and present
The Serra de Petrópolis, which was once a symbol of engineering in the 040th century, today represents one of the biggest logistical bottlenecks on the BR-XNUMX.
The steep and winding stretch drastically reduces the speed of heavy vehicles, directly impacting the routine of tourists, residents and transporters.
Jane Assis, owner of the traditional Solar do Império hotel, reports that many tourists get in touch to find out about road conditions before traveling..
“We receive calls like this frequently. We even have contacts with firefighters and information channels to guide guests,” he says.
The economy of the mountainous region depends directly on the quality of the BR-040. Tourism, for example, is one of the sectors most affected by the slowness and insecurity of the current route..
Petrópolis: from royalty to the aerospace sector
If in the 19th century Petrópolis was a refuge for the imperial court, today it is home to one of the largest aviation engine workshops in the world: the GE Aerospace unit..
The company carries out around 600 turbine inspections per year and depends on the BR-040 to transport the equipment between the mountains and Rio de Janeiro.
"Every day, two turbines go up and two go down the mountain”, says the CEO of GE Aerospace in Brazil, Julio Talon. “Around 95% of our volume comes from abroad, and BR-040 is essential to keep this chain running.. "
The region is also strategic for the automotive, food and beverage industries, as well as logistics and cargo transportation.
Highway modernization could unlock historic bottlenecks and boost regional development, according to industry experts.
Ambitious project focused on goals and safety
The BR-040 concession project includes modern contractual clauses, with clear goals and control and inspection mechanisms to ensure the execution of works and services throughout the planned 30-year concession period..
Among the commitments required of the future concessionaire are investments in technology, signage, user service points, monitoring and medical assistance.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the proposal was drawn up to ensure a balance between investments and reasonable fares, i.e. fair fares for users..
There will be contractual triggers that will require the fulfillment of goals in exchange for adjustments and renewals.
Towards a new chapter on the imperial road
The requalification of BR-040 represents not only a logistical advance, but also a historical rescue and an opportunity for social and economic transformation for the Brazilian Southeast.
From a road used by coffee barons to a strategic corridor for national industry, BR-040 carries 164 years of history on its asphalt.
“BR-040 needs to be safer and more efficient”, summarizes teacher Ellen Drumond, a resident of Petrópolis, who has been traveling the road between Minas Gerais and Rio for years..
Its appeal reflects the feelings of thousands of Brazilians who depend on the road to work, travel and live.
Have you ever traveled along BR-040? What memories or experiences do you have of this historic road? Share in the comments!
