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With billion-dollar investments, the project foresees improvements to traffic, greater safety and an economic impact that will generate 24 thousand jobs. Will this proposal revolutionize mobility on one of the main highway corridors in Brazil?
In the heart of the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region (RMBH), a change of historic proportions is about to revolutionize the routine of residents and the thousands of drivers who cross its roads every day.
With the proposal to transform one of the main road corridors of the state, the government of Minas Gerais gave the green light to an ambitious project that promises much more than improvements in traffic: it aims to generate thousands of jobs, drastically reduce accidents and boost the regional economy.
This concession for Vetor Norte, announced on Monday (11), aims to invest no less than R$4,4 billion.
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With an innovative model, the plan seeks everything from structural improvements — such as duplications and new lanes — to the implementation of a modern toll collection system, which promises to eliminate physical barriers.
The goal is to make life easier for those who depend on these highways daily, promoting a gain in mobility that could reduce travel time between the capital of Minas Gerais and Sete Lagoas by almost 30 minutes.
According to the Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Pedro Bruno, these transformations represent an unprecedented advance for the infrastructure of Minas Gerais.
Project structure and schedule
The project notice is expected to be published in January 2025, while the auction is expected to take place between the end of April and the beginning of May.
After the winning company is defined, the concession contract, which will last for 30 years, will be signed in the first half of the year.
During the process, the Minas Gerais government will meet with mayors and deputies from the affected cities, keeping them updated on the main stages of the project and ensuring the active participation of local leaders.
According to Pedro Bruno, this integration between government and municipalities is essential to ensure that all details of the concession are transparent and aligned with the interests of the population.
O North Vector covers an extension of 123,4 kilometers of highways, including sections of MG-010, MG-424 and LMG-800.
Along this route, thirteen cities in the RMBH will directly benefit from the project, including Belo Horizonte, Lagoa Santa, Vespasiano, and Pedro Leopoldo.
Furthermore, the implementation of bypasses in some of these cities will considerably reduce heavy traffic on urban roads, creating alternative and more agile routes for large vehicles.
Infrastructure investments
Of this total investment of R$4,4 billion, R$3 billion will be allocated to infrastructure works, including duplications and expansions of highways.
According to the proposal, the Vetor Norte concession includes the construction of three new road contours, over 31 kilometers long, in the cities of Lagoa Santa, Prudente de Morais and Matozinhos.
These new dual carriageways They aim to divert heavy traffic and make traffic flow more fluid, reducing travel time by up to 27 minutes between Belo Horizonte and Sete Lagoas.
For those visiting Serra do Cipó, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, travel time savings can reach 21 minutes.
Another highlight of the project is the installation of a free flow toll system.
With this technology, the government intends to install 13 gantries along the highways, eliminating the need for stops to pay fares.
This solution will allow the flow of vehicles to be continuous, offering a more agile and seamless travel experience.
This system, according to the secretary, is an innovation for Minas Gerais and, in the long term, should reduce operating costs and vehicle wear.
More safety on Minas Gerais highways
The planned improvements are not limited to traffic flow, but also include driver safety.
The project includes the duplication of 34,3 kilometers of lanes, as well as expansions to include additional lanes, third lanes and more than 100 kilometers of shoulders.
The plan also includes the construction of new viaducts, walkways and bus stops, with the aim of drastically reducing traffic accidents in the region.
With these changes, it is estimated that it will be possible to avoid around 2,5 accidents over the next decade, generating a positive impact for all highway users.
Furthermore, the concession plan seeks to strengthen the infrastructure by creating exclusive lanes for emergency vehicles and medical care, ensuring rapid support in the event of an accident.
These investments should provide a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians traveling through the region, establishing a new standard of mobility and safety on Minas Gerais highways.
Economic impact and job creation
In addition to improvements in traffic and safety, the project represents economic relief for the region.
With the expectation of generating 24 thousand new direct and indirect jobs, the Vetor Norte concession promises to boost sectors such as civil construction, technology and operational services.
This positive impact, according to the government, will also extend to local governments, which should collect around R$600 million in Service Tax (ISS) over the course of the contract.
This collection will strengthen public coffers, enabling additional investments in areas such as health, education and infrastructure, directly benefiting citizens.
Opportunities and challenges with the highway
Although the project offers numerous advantages, the government and municipalities involved will face challenges in ensuring that all stages are completed on time and as planned.
The public consultation of the project, available on the website of the State Secretariat for Infrastructure, Mobility and Partnerships (Seinfra), will be an essential tool for the population to give their opinion and suggest changes, promoting a constructive debate on the future of the highways of Vetor Norte.
This type of initiative highlights the state of Minas Gerais’ commitment to improving the quality of life of its citizens.
With a renewed infrastructure and efficient management, the Vetor Norte concession could serve as a model for other regions of the country, showing how investment in infrastructure can boost the economy and ensure safer and more agile mobility for everyone.
Will Vetor Norte really transform traffic and safety in Minas Gerais? Leave your opinion in the comments!
