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How the construction of the Newton Navarro Bridge transformed traffic and boosted development in Rio Grande do Norte
Have you ever imagined a project so grand that it could relieve traffic congestion in an entire city and also become a postcard? The construction of the Newton Navarro Bridge not only made this possible, but also changed the history of Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte.
The construction of the Newton Navarro Bridge arose from the urgent need to clear traffic on the Igapó Bridge, improving access to São Gonçalo do Amarante International Airport and developments in the northern region. Approximately 1,8 km long, the cable-stayed bridge connects the north to the east of Natal, crossing the majestic Potengi River.
Named in honor of the artist from Rio Grande do Norte, Newton Navarro — playwright, poet, designer and painter who portrayed the neighborhoods of Redinha, Ribeira and local fishermen in his works — the bridge became a symbol of progress and culture for the city.
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Construction of the Newton Navarro Bridge
The journey to building the bridge was not easy. Since 1992, the population had been clamoring for a solution to the chaotic traffic, but technical difficulties and the lack of companies willing to take on the challenge delayed the project. Considered by many to be an impossible project, the bridge only began to come to fruition in 2003, after years of paralysis and bureaucracy.
Monumental challenges
Designed by Italian engineer Mário de Miranda, the construction faced monumental challenges, such as the installation of 500 meters supported by steel cables attached to two central blocks and the implementation of pillars over 140 meters high. In total, 144 steel cables and around 63 thousand cubic meters of concrete were used, 70% of which was prestressed.
The inauguration on November 16, 2007 was celebrated with great festivity, marking the beginning of a new era for Natal. The Newton Navarro Bridge not only eased traffic, with a capacity for 60 vehicles per day, but also boosted the economic and tourist development of the region. Real estate values soared, especially near beaches such as Redinha.
Newton Navarro Bridge is more than just an engineering feat
However, the bridge also faced post-construction challenges. Collisions with its pillars highlighted the need for safety devices, leading to the installation of protective structures known as “dolphins” in 2018, following notifications from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The construction of the Newton Navarro Bridge It is more than a work of engineering; is a testament to the perseverance and fighting spirit of the people of Rio Grande do Norte. Despite the obstacles and tragedies associated with it in the years that followed, the bridge remains a symbol of progress and hope, connecting people and opportunities.
Do you believe that major infrastructure projects like the Newton Navarro Bridge are essential for the development of cities or should investments be directed to other areas? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Congratulations to the Governor who started this great project, because a bridge of this level is a great asset to the capital and the population, it only brings wealth and progress and benefits in all areas, it is a great development for the city, avoiding traffic jams and increasingly attracting tourism and entrepreneurs to the Natal City. I congratulate Governor Dr. Fátima Bezerra, this tireless warrior woman for the good and progress of the capital and Rio Grande do Norte, this wonderful state. I wish you all the best, that you have much peace and success in this campaign and that you elect all the allied candidates, and on the way to victory. I wish you and your family and advisors an excellent Sunday of peace and victory.
The Nilton Navarro Bridge was built by Governor Vilma de Faria, of fond memory. And another thing, Fátima Bezerra has a horrible management here in RN, 6 years later she started doing something related to asphalt resurfacing, other than that, she has a terrible management, not to mention the money that went to the Nordeste consortium to buy respirators and never came back, and that was it.
No nonsense, please. This project was started during the administration of the late Vilma Maia, and it has not yielded good results to this day, as we still suffer from poor asphalt and pavement, where it is possible to see that the city is slowly sinking. As for Fátima Bezerra's administration, all we have heard about is her "parties and parties that end in orgies with public money." Today she is spending what is left of public resources in France. The truth is that we are doomed to so much corruption and embezzlement.
Come cross the bridge during rush hour to see if this information is really true.