English 
Spanish 
4 min read
2 comments
The federal government will invest more than R$7 billion to transform BR-101. Rest stops for truck drivers will be created and more than 169 km of highway will be widened by 2026.
Little is known about the impact of a long journey on the conditions of a Brazilian highway. However, BR-101, one of the largest highways in Brazil, is about to undergo a historic transformation.
The federal government has announced a colossal investment that could forever change the experience of truck drivers and motorists. But what does this investment really mean for those who drive through the country every day?
Billion-dollar projects and infrastructure modernization
The answer comes with an impressive number: R$7,18 billion. This is the amount that will be injected into BR-101 to improve infrastructure, according to the Ministry of Transport.
- INTERNET disconnection: Russia successfully tests blocking millions of users and prepares a global alternative system
- R$20 million in debt and 20 months without salaries: Why did investors give up on buying Avibras?
- Federal and state governments join forces to invest OVER 200 MILLION in the construction of a beltway that promises to ease traffic on an important Brazilian highway (BR)
- Elon Musk proposes $20 trillion alternative to tunnel that will connect New York and London in just 54 minutes
Eco101, the company responsible for the concession, was tasked with carrying out the majority of this investment, with R$1,87 billion earmarked for just the first three years of the new contract.
This amount will be applied to several improvements, such as the construction of Stopping and Resting Points (PPD) for truck drivers, duplication and modernization of stretches, as well as additional and marginal lanes.
The Federal Court of Auditors (TCU) was responsible for approving the modernization of the concession contract, which allowed these works to be made viable.
This measure should alleviate a problem that has affected truck drivers for years: the lack of adequate infrastructure on the roads.
Duplications and improvements along the highway
The plan is ambitious. The BR-169 highway is expected to be widened by 101 km by 2026. In addition, there will be 41 km of additional lanes and 11 km of marginal roads, as specified by the Ministry of Transport.
Work will begin immediately after the auction, which is expected to take place in approximately 70 days. Thus, within 30 days after the auction, improvements to the highway will begin to be carried out.
This highway is essential for Brazil, connecting the Southeast to the Northeast and facilitating the transportation of goods between the regions.
Espírito Santo, cut from end to end by BR-101, will be one of the biggest beneficiaries, mainly in areas close to the border with Rio de Janeiro and Bahia.
Scheduled duplications: schedule by year
To ensure the progress of the works, the duplication will be carried out in stages. In the first year, the stretch between Vila Velha and Anchieta (from 308,2 to 357,7 km) will be duplicated, totaling 49,50 kilometers.
In the second year, it will be the turn of the stretch between Fundão and Serra, covering 15,2 kilometers. The third year will bring improvements to the stretch from João Neiva to Ibiraçu, with 3 kilometers of duplication.
In the fourth year, there will be interventions in Aracruz and João Neiva (14,90 km) and in Ibiraçu (0,90 km).
The fifth year will see a significant duplication, with 69 km of road being widened from Anchieta to Atílio Vivácqua.
Finally, in the seventh year, another 64,81 km will be duplicated, 30,41 km between Linhares and Aracruz, and 34,40 km from Atílio Vivácqua to Mimoso do Sul.
Economic and social impacts
These works not only represent an improvement in road infrastructure, but also bring a series of economic benefits to the region.
Espírito Santo, for example, will gain significant logistical momentum, benefiting industries and commerce..
The president of the Federation of Industries of Espírito Santo (Findes), Paulo Baraona, highlighted the importance of this investment to resolve logistical bottlenecks.
According to him, the solution presented could provide a solution to infrastructure problems that have been dragging on for decades.
The modernization also pleased local transporters. For Mario Natali, superintendent of the Union of Cargo Transport and Logistics Companies in the State (Transcares), the government's effort to find a solution meets the expectations of both transporters and residents of the state.
Rest stops for truck drivers on BR-101
One of the most anticipated aspects of this modernization is the creation of two Stop and Rest Points (PPD) for truck drivers, which are essential for road safety.
However, the Ministry of Transport has not yet revealed the exact locations where these PPDs will be installed.
The lack of adequate stopping points has been a recurring complaint among truck drivers, who need safe and comfortable areas to rest during long journeys.
These rest points, when built, will provide a significant improvement in the working conditions of these professionals, contributing to road safety and the reduction of accidents caused by fatigue.
Next Steps
The auction that will mark the awarding of the new contract is scheduled to take place in 70 days. After that, improvements should begin within 30 days.
This marks a significant difference from the old model, where works could take four to seven years to resume if the process of returning the section were to take place.
This new approach will ensure a faster and more efficient response, directly benefiting all drivers using BR-101.
Will the billion-dollar investment be enough to solve Brazil's logistical problems?
Don't these people have the nerve to announce this?
Since the investment will not be sufficient, the intervention will only be carried out on BR 101 and we have other highways that are very important for the flow of cargo in the country, some of which are toll roads and do not offer the minimum level of safety and support points for drivers, such as BR 116, for example, where the toll section does not have the necessary standards for safe driving.