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With an investment of R$31 million, the new bridge between Caxias do Sul and Nova Petrópolis on BR-116 is about to be completed, after the old structure gave way due to the heavy rains in May.
As works on the new bridge on BR-116, which will connect Caxias do Sul and Nova Petrópolis, in Rio Grande do Sul, are just a few steps away from completion.
After months of waiting and planning, the definitive structure, eagerly awaited by the local population, has already begun to take shape, signaling the end of a period of intense disruption for the region.
Last Sunday (3), the first beam was placed, an important milestone that announces the final stage of this long-awaited construction.
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This bridge, which replaces an old structure that collapsed due to extreme weather conditions, will bring more safety and comfort to thousands of drivers who depend on this route for their daily routines.
According to information from the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), released on Wednesday (6), the reopening of the bridge to traffic is scheduled for December 2024, although the full completion of the work is expected for February 2025.
Works advance with million-dollar investment
The project to rebuild the bridge over the Caí River involves an investment of R$31 million.
The structure, 180 meters long and 13 meters wide, will be one meter higher than the previous one, with the aim of avoiding problems during future floods.
With the beams installed, all that remains is to close the gaps, pour the concrete on the slabs, build the wheel guard and pave the track.
To date, the infrastructure phases, which included the bridge foundation, and the mesostructure have been completed.
These advances ensure a solid and safe foundation for the new crossing, which is considered essential to improving mobility and the economy of the region.
Reconstruction after natural disaster
The old bridge, which was the main connection between Serra Gaúcha and the Hortênsias region, partially collapsed in May 2024, after a historic flood of the Caí River caused by intense rains.
This incident left the stretch of BR-116 at km 174 completely blocked, being the last point on federal highways in Rio Grande do Sul to remain isolated due to the natural disaster.
The dramatic situation prompted a rapid response from the authorities and the local population.
In June, the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, signed the order to begin construction on the new bridge.
Then, on June 27, the old structure was demolished, making way for the current project.
Since then, reconstruction has progressed according to schedule, with a temporary solution to minimize disruption.
Temporary bridge and community support
Amid the challenges faced by drivers and traders in the region, the local community came together to build a temporary bridge.
On September 20, the Cooperation Bridge was inaugurated, a temporary solution led by businesspeople and residents, which enabled the resumption of traffic in the region.
This structure, even though it is not definitive, has been vital to maintain the flow of vehicles and avoid greater losses to the local economy.
The collective effort demonstrates the resilience of the community and its determination to keep the region connected, even in the face of adversity.
However, the temporary bridge does not eliminate the urgent need for the definitive structure, which will bring substantial improvements and a level of safety that the current crossing does not offer.
Expectation and economic impact
The new bridge will bring significant positive impacts to the local economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and the movement of people between Caxias do Sul and Nova Petrópolis.
In addition to ensuring greater security, the modernized structure will contribute to the development of the region, boosting tourism and logistics.
With construction work scheduled for completion in early 2025, the bridge is expected to boost the economy by reducing travel times and providing a more efficient connection between the two cities, which have strong commercial and tourist ties.
Investment in infrastructure is seen as a strategic step to ensure the region’s competitiveness and sustainable growth in the long term.
What can we expect from this new crossing over the Caí River? The population will be able to count on a modern, safe and robust structure, capable of meeting the challenges of climate change and mobility demands.
The new bridge will be essential not only for local drivers, but also for companies that use this route as an important logistics corridor between different parts of the state.
How will this new bridge transform drivers' routines and strengthen the local economy? What will be the impact on businesses and tourism in Serra Gaúcha?
