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Construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge: connects SP and Mato Grosso do Sul, considered one of the largest bridges in Brazil

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 20/09/2024 às 21:26
Updated 22/09/2024 às 19:41
Construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge: connects SP and Mato Grosso, considered one of the largest bridges in Brazil
Hélio Serejo Bridge (Image: Bronis and Drones)

Construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge: the epic journey of one of the largest bridges in the world

If you think putting together a 5-piece jigsaw puzzle is challenging, wait until you learn about the saga behind the construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge! This monumental work not only united two states, but also established itself as one of the largest bridges in Brazil, leaving a legacy that spans generations.

The history of the construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge dates back to the 1960s, when the need arose to raise the access road between São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul. Before her, the crossing of the imposing Paraná River was carried out by rafts, a slow and limited process. It was then that the federal government, through the National Department of Highways, decided to intervene.

Initially named Maurício Joppert Bridge, in honor of the then Minister of Transportation (1945-1946), the bridge had its name changed in 2012 to honor Hélio Serejo. A journalist, writer with more than 33 published books and member of the Mato Grosso Academy of Letters, Serejo was one of the main advocates for the construction of the bridge, campaigning and mobilizing the population to make this dream come true.

Construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge was a real engineering challenge

Construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge: connects SP and Mato Grosso, considered one of the largest bridges in Brazil

A construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge it was a real engineering challenge. With a length of 2.550 meters and a width of 12,30 meters, the bridge was built over the Paraná River, one of the most important rivers in the country. The project used advanced technologies for the time, such as the use of prestressed concrete and large precast beams.

During the process, the engineers faced obstacles such as determining the best route for the crossing and the complexities of the foundations in a river with a depth of up to 15 meters. They chose a route that offered favorable conditions, with higher banks on the Mato Grosso do Sul side, facilitating the construction of the bridge.

Box beam system

The pillars of the construction were the system of box beams, and assembling the beams was almost like a giant Lego game, requiring precision and strategy. The foundation was another chapter in itself, requiring detailed geological studies due to the layers of sand and gravel in the riverbed.. Reinforced concrete pipes with a widened base were driven in with compressed air to ensure the stability of the structure.

The bridge was opened to traffic on August 21, 1965, marking a new era in the connection between the states. Decades later, in 2011, the bridge underwent significant renovation, with investments of R$24 million to replace the pavement and restore points of the foundation.

Construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge is not just a transport route

Today, The construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge is not only a means of transport, but also a tourist attraction that enchants with its grandeur and the history it carries.. As one of the largest bridges in Brazil, it is a testament to human persistence and ingenuity, connecting not only territories, but also histories and cultures.

We would like to express our gratitude here. to all the workers who made this feat possible, transforming a decades-old dream into reality and writing an unforgettable chapter in the history of Brazilian engineering.

And you, what do you think about the impact of the construction of the Hélio Serejo Bridge on regional development? Share your opinion in the comments!

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Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 2.300 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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