English 
Spanish 
5 min read
1 comments
State innovates by implementing concrete highway that promises to last twice as long as asphalt. With a cost of R$188 million, PRC-280 could define the future of Brazilian roads.
As Brazilian highways They constantly face maintenance problems, especially in areas with high circulation of heavy vehicles, such as trucks.
With traditional asphalt requiring frequent repairs, the concrete solution has been attracting attention.
In Paraná, rigid pavement is already being implemented on the PRC-280, between Palmas and Clevelândia.
- Brazil takes the lead: Government invests R$5 billion in the electronics sector and consolidates the country as a global reference
- Chilean multinational invests R$730 million in new sector and transforms Goiás into the largest manufacturer in the country!
- Lack of labor is plaguing Portugal, which is begging for immigrants to fill the 80 vacancies in the construction sector
- Labor shortage hits the Northeast! Workers refuse to sign contracts for fear of losing Bolsa Família benefits
See more
This material promises to not only double the durability of the tracks, but also improve safety.
What is PRC-280 and why did Paraná opt for concrete?
The PRC-280 is one of the main road connections between the Southwest and South of Paraná, with a large volume of daily traffic, especially trucks.
According to the Paraná Highway Department (DER/PR), the choice of concrete is not random.
This option arises from the need for paving that can support heavy loads and offer greater durability and less maintenance over the years.
According to DER/PR, concrete is an ideal solution for places that require extra resistance.
Rigid pavement, in addition to lasting twice as long as asphalt, is also less susceptible to deformations caused by climate changes and better withstands the wear and tear caused by heavy traffic.
The technique used in PRC-280 is known as whitetopping, where existing asphalt is reused as a base for concrete, optimizing costs and resources.
The extent and details of the work
The work on PRC-280 comprises a stretch of approximately 45 kilometers, with a total investment of R$188 million.
The project covers everything from the Codapar viaduct, in Palmas, to the roundabout with Avenida Nossa Senhora da Luz, in Clevelândia.
According to the state government, on the 9th of this month, the project, which started in April 2024, reached 75% execution, scheduled to end in November, depending on weather conditions.
The paving process has followed a strategic schedule, with one direction being paved at a time to allow vehicles to circulate in the other direction, using the stop-and-go system.
This approach minimizes the impact on traffic, but also requires constant operations to ensure the safety of drivers and workers.
Advantages of concrete over asphalt
But what makes concrete a superior choice?
Rigid flooring is not only more durable, it also offers a number of safety advantages.
It has better drainage capacity, reduces the risk of skidding and presents less deformation over time.
These aspects are especially important for highways such as PRC-280, where truck traffic is intense.
Additionally, we bring concrete requires less maintenance, which represents significant savings for public coffers in the long term.
DER/PR highlights that, with concrete, the need for repairs is much lower, since the material is more resistant to impacts and extreme temperatures.
Next steps and additional services
After the completion of the main paving, which should take place by the end of November, the team will focus on complementary services scheduled for early 2025.
These services include the installation of triangular concrete gutters, planting of grass and improvements to horizontal signage and safety devices.
These additional steps are essential to ensure the durability and safety of the highway, in addition to addressing environmental issues, such as adequate drainage of rainwater.
The signage includes reflective plates and studs, as well as metal guardrails that increase protection against accidents, especially on sections with sharp curves and in conditions of low visibility.
Why is concrete still a rare choice in Brazil?
Despite the advantages, concrete is still a rare choice in Brazil due to the high initial cost, which can be up to three times higher than asphalt.
However, this view is changing as states like Paraná realize that maintenance savings and safety benefits can offset the initial investment.
Experts point out that the higher initial cost of concrete is offset by its durability.
While asphalt needs frequent repairs, concrete requires much less maintenance over the years., which means that in the long run the cost-benefit can be advantageous.
However, the expansion of this model to other Brazilian highways still depends on greater financial and political support, in addition to changes in the mindset of public managers.
Will concrete be the future of Brazilian highways?
If the PRC-280 proves a success, rigid concrete pavement could become a trend on Brazilian highways.
States with a high flow of trucks can adopt the same approach, especially in strategic stretches with high cargo circulation.
However, it is necessary to evaluate each case individually, as not all road sections have the same needs and logistical challenges.
Over time, cost-benefit analysis should guide this choice. After all, Does concrete really offer the ideal answer to all the problems on Brazilian highways?
Or will the high initial investment continue to be a barrier to large-scale implementation?
What do you think? Is concrete the way forward for Brazilian roads, or is the high cost still an insurmountable obstacle? Leave your comment and join the discussion!
In Paraná, especially in Curitiba, there are streets made of concrete and currently roads, and word on the street was that the contractors didn't like the material because it ended up ruining the constant renovations.