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A 12,4 km long bridge will begin to erect its pillars. This R$9 billion project aims to connect cities, generating more than 7 jobs and benefiting 250 municipalities in Bahia. In addition to improving mobility, the bridge promises to boost the economy and regional tourism.
Since the 1960s, Bahia has nurtured the dream of connecting Salvador to Itaparica Island through a bridge that not only shortens distances, but also promotes the economic and social development of the region.
After decades of planning and debate, this project monumental begins to materialize, promising to transform local mobility and economy.
Decisive approval boosts project
On February 12, 2025, the Court of Auditors of the State of Bahia (TCE-BA) unanimously approved a consensus proposal between the state government and the concessionaire responsible for the work.
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This decision allows the signing of a contractual addendum essential for the advancement of the project.
The president of TCE-BA, councilor Marcus Presidio, highlighted the viability of the construction and emphasized the importance of starting the works according to the established schedule.
Work details and investments
The Salvador-Itaparica Bridge will be the largest bridge over water in Latin America, with a length of 12,4 km.
The project includes two tracks, each with two lanes and a shoulder, in addition to an 860-meter cable-stayed section.
The estimated investment is R$10,4 billion, carried out through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Chinese groups CRCC and CCCC.
The concession will last 29 years, including six years for construction.
Job creation and economic impact of the bridge
The construction of the bridge is expected to generate around 7 direct and indirect jobs, with the majority of vacancies destined for Bahian labor.
To this end, professional qualification actions will be implemented in partnership with the Secretariat of Labor, Employment, Income and Sport (Setre), in addition to strengthening small businesses in the area of influence of the bridge.
The CEO of the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge Concessionaire, Cláudio Villas Boas, presented this data during a meeting with the secretary of Setre, Augusto Vasconcelos.
Recent progress and timeline
In March 2024, the concessionaire began drilling on the seashore, using platforms in the municipality of Vera Cruz, as part of the project's survey stage.
By February 2025, 75% of the total drilling process had been completed, including the completion of the shallow water stage in Todos-os-Santos Bay.
The construction site is scheduled to be installed in early 2026, with completion estimated by 2029.
Benefits for the region with the new bridge
In addition to improving mobility, the bridge promises to boost tourism and attract investment to the region.
It is estimated that 10 million people from Bahia in around 250 municipalities will benefit, especially in the regions of Recôncavo Sul, Baixo Sul and the Metropolitan Region of Salvador.
The work should also decongest the ferry boat system, reducing queues and long waits, especially during peak periods.
Real estate appreciation and local expectations
The prospect of building the bridge is already having an impact on the real estate market on Itaparica Island.
Brokers report an appreciation of up to 20% in property prices, attributed to the expectation of greater development and ease of access to the capital.
The local community is looking forward to the economic and social opportunities that the new infrastructure will bring.
Project history
The idea of a land link between Salvador and Itaparica Island dates back to 1967. However, it was only in 2009, during the government of Jaques Wagner, that the project took concrete form.
After the bidding process in 2019 and the signing of the contract in 2020, the project faced several challenges until reaching the current stage of execution.
For experts, the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge represents a significant milestone for the infrastructure and socioeconomic development of Bahia.
With robust investments, significant job creation and the promise of transforming regional dynamics, The work is moving forward to become a reality that will benefit millions of people from Bahia in the coming years.
Exceptional, just one detail. The bridge must have 3 lanes in each direction plus the shoulder to ensure its longevity from future increases in road traffic.
Let's go, let's go. I hope to God that he is alive to make this crossing, a historic landmark in the state of Bahia, a great improvement for the people of the island and cities of Bahia. May this bridge come and put an end once and for all to this suffering of this crossing, this failed ferry boat system.
Mariza Candida