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The construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway, opened in 1961 as BR-2, revolutionized transportation between São Paulo and Curitiba and became one of the most important highways in the country, with decades of economic and social impact.
A The construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway was not just the creation of another road; it was practically an epic achievement in national transportation. Imagine reducing the travel time between São Paulo and Curitiba from 12 hours to just 3, at a time when potholes and mud were the main companions of those who ventured onto dirt roads. This was only possible with the inauguration, in 1961, of BR-2, today known as BR-116, which would soon become one of the most important highways in the country.
Construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway was one of the greatest road achievements of the 1960s
A The construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway, which connects São Paulo to southern Brazil, was one of the greatest road achievements of the 1960s. Delivered by then president Juscelino Kubitschek, this work represented a milestone in the development of national infrastructure. Before it, traveling from Registro to São Paulo, for example, was a real mission. Benevides Teixeira, in his 1980 book, narrated how the trip in a “jardineira”, a typical bus of the time, took a long 12 hours to complete the journey. With the new highway, this time was reduced to just 3 hours.
BR-116 was given the name Régis Bittencourt
Over the years, BR-116 was named Régis Bittencourt, in honor of the civil engineer who played a fundamental role in its construction. The highway, which today runs for more than 400 km from São Paulo to the border with Paraná, has established itself as one of the most important highways in the country, serving as a crucial link to Mercosur and connecting Brazil to the international trade route.
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Régis Bittencourt became sadly known as the “Highway of Death”
However, not everything was progress. In the 80s and 90s, Régis Bittencourt became sadly known as the “Highway of Death” due to the high number of fatal accidents. In 1999, the worst accident in its history involved a tourist bus and a semi-truck, resulting in more than 30 deaths. This tragic event left its mark on the highway forever, reinforcing the need for structural improvements.
In an attempt to solve these problems, The duplication of the highway began during the government of Fernando Henrique Cardoso and was completed in 2017. One of the most critical points, Serra do Cafezal, It was known for its winding curves and was the last section to be duplicated.. The duplication and other improvements were possible thanks to the concession of the highway to the private sector, which installed toll plazas and invested in modernizing the road.
Construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway continues to play a vital role
Today, the construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway continues to play a vital role in the national economy, facilitating the transportation of goods and people. Despite its turbulent past, improvements made over the past decades have ensured that this highway remains among the most important highways in the country, connecting states and countries and enabling the economic and social development of the entire region that it crosses.
With its rich history, the construction of the Régis Bittencourt Highway shows us how much infrastructure can impact the lives of millions of people. From its dangerous curves and feared nickname, the highway has evolved into one of Brazil's main transport corridors, playing a fundamental role in commerce and in the daily lives of the people who depend on it.
Have you ever had a memorable experience traveling along the Régis Bittencourt Highway? How do you see the impact of this highway on your life or on the country's economy? Share in the comments!
You ask if I have ever had a remarkable experience traveling on BR 116 Régis Bittencourt? Once, leaving Santos I went to Ilha Comprida and had to travel on this highway.
I hated it.
I don't like traveling on this highway, especially the section connecting the state of São Paulo to the south of the country.
And I think it's absurd that there is only “one highway” connecting three Brazilian states with high economic and tourist wealth.
And the worst part: with very high accident rates and a lot of “negligence” on the part of drivers. One accident more “horrible” than the other.
What a “stigma” this highway has.
As long as I can, I will not travel on this road. Neither by car nor by bus.
GOOD MORNING. I AM A TRUCK DRIVER. I HAVE DRIVEN A LOT ON THE BR.116 .RÉGIS BITENCOURT. ALTHOUGH THE HIGHWAY HAS SOME SMALL UNEVENNESSES IN THE PAVEMENT, I CONSIDER THE HIGHWAY TO BE VERY GOOD...I LIKED KNOWING THE STORY.
Very good, I travel with it almost every weekend
Good morning, today is much better, even traffic has improved a lot. In 2014, I had a serious accident where my car broke down. I was with my family, but thank God he saved us.
During the duplication of the 116 in 1990, I crashed my truck at km 270, behind a line without signs! I only didn't die because it wasn't time.
An important piece of information is missing. Why Regis Bitencourt?
There was no shortage…it was in honor of the engineer…