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The works carried out by the government of Rio Grande do Sul include pavement recovery, drainage, reconstruction of embankments, signage, and structures planned after topographic and hydrological studies. One bridge has already been opened, while another is expected to receive traffic in the second half of this year.
The requalification of ERS-348, in the Central region, gathers an investment of R$ 244.7 million to recover 23 kilometers of highway and rebuild two bridges affected by the 2024 floods. The works also include two floodplain viaducts.
Executed by the state government, through the Autonomous Department of Highways, linked to the Secretariat of Logistics and Transport, the project was defined after topographic and hydrological studies indicated specific solutions for each section affected by the floods.
The resources come from the Rio Grande Plan Fund. In total, four lots are under execution: two correspond to road segments and the other two to the bridges over the Arroio Guarda-Mor and the Rio Soturno, in Faxinal do Soturno.
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Requalification enhances the safety of ERS-348
The services cover the renewal of the structural and functional conditions of the pavement, drainage, and signage. They also include cleaning, removal of materials, shaping of slopes, reconstruction of embankments, and improvements aimed at road functionality and safety.
ERS-348 was submerged during the floods. Bridges were swept away and parts of the road carried by the waters, a situation that required more in-depth studies to define structures suitable for the region’s water challenges.
The Secretary of Logistics and Transport, Clóvis Magalhães, stated that the highway represents an important regional connection for the population and the state economy. According to him, the new structures were planned to offer safety and resilience in the face of climatic events.
The general director of Daer, Luciano Faustino, highlighted that the studies sought solutions within technical safety and quality standards. The goal is to manage local water challenges and enhance road safety after the recorded damages.
Floodplain Viaducts Elevate Critical Section
Between Agudo and Dona Francisca, considered the most complex section of ERS-348, two floodplain viaducts are being constructed at kilometers 52 and 53. The structures will be 500 and 400 meters long.
At certain points, the highway will be elevated by more than three meters to meet hydrological needs. The intervention covers 13 kilometers and receives an investment of R$ 182.43 million.
Another lot is between São João do Polêsine and Dona Francisca. In this segment, ten kilometers undergo earthworks, drainage, embankment reconstruction, slope shaping, pavement renewal and recovery, with an investment of R$ 35.91 million.
Higher Bridges Replace Destroyed Structures
The new bridge over the Arroio Guarda-Mor, at kilometer 32, in Faxinal do Soturno, is already open to traffic. With an investment of R$ 11.7 million, it is 120 meters long, 12 meters wide, and has a dual carriageway.
The structure was built 3.42 meters above the previous bridge, respecting the flood level defined by studies. The change aims to increase the crossing’s resistance to new floods and improve traffic conditions on the highway.
Also in Faxinal do Soturno, the bridge over the Rio Soturno will be 160 meters long, 12 meters wide, and have a dual carriageway. The investment reaches R$ 14.7 million, and the new passage will be 2.38 meters higher.
The main structure is completed. The approach slabs, access paving, and signage remain. The bridge is expected to be open to traffic in the second half of this year.
The interventions are part of the reconstruction of Rio Grande do Sul’s infrastructure after the floods. Throughout the State, R$ 3.1 billion is allocated to 48 road recovery and bridge implementation projects.
What do you consider most important in this requalification: the elevation of the highway, the floodplain viaducts, or the new bridges? Share your opinion in the comments and tell us how the conditions of ERS-348 affect the commutes, work, and routine of the communities served.
With information from estado.rs.gov.br.
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