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BR-381, known as the “highway of death,” is set to undergo a revolution. Widening works promise to save lives, generate jobs, and impact the regional economy. With a billion-dollar investment and new safety solutions, the corridor could become a landmark. Will this promise be fulfilled?
The impact of a billion-dollar investment is about to change the history of one of the most feared highways in Brazil.
BR-381, which connects Belo Horizonte to Governador Valadares, has been the scene of thousands of accidents, deaths and logistical challenges that have affected drivers, companies and the regional economy for decades.
Now, a historic concession promises to turn this dark page and transform the corridor into an example of efficiency and safety.
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At the heart of this transformation is the duplication of the highway, which is part of a package of works valued at R$5,76 billion.
The project includes widening lanes, route corrections, construction of urban crossings, installation of walkways and improvements to shoulders.
More than an infrastructure project, it is a strategic measure that promises profound social, economic and environmental impacts.
The importance of BR-381 in the regional economy
BR-381 plays a crucial role in the economy of Minas Gerais and Brazil, being one of the main routes for the flow of agricultural, industrial and mineral products.
According to data from the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), more than 18 thousand vehicles travel along the stretch in question every day, around 65% of which are freight vehicles.
The current precarious condition of the highway compromises the competitiveness of companies in the region, which face delays, high logistical costs and the risk of accidents during the transportation of goods.
This situation, in addition to discouraging new investments, directly impacts the final price of products consumed by the population.
With the duplication and planned improvements, the expectation is that travel time will be reduced by up to 40%, generating significant savings in operational transportation costs.
Furthermore, the increase in traffic fluidity should attract new investments, fostering regional development and boosting job creation.
Tragedies that mark the history of the highway
Over the years, BR-381 has earned the tragic nickname of “highway of death”. In 2023 alone, the road recorded 2.641 accidents, involving more than 6.700 people and resulting in 171 deaths.
Many of these accidents could have been avoided with improvements to infrastructure, such as doubling lanes, installing physical barriers and expanding signage.
The numbers reflect not only the lack of investment, but also the negligence towards the safety of millions of drivers who depend on the highway daily.
For the victims' families, the widening of BR-381 is a way to prevent others from facing the same suffering.
Stories like that of João Carlos Freitas, who lost his brother in an accident on the stretch between João Monlevade and Ipatinga, illustrate the human impact of the precariousness of the road.
“He was going to work and died because the road was narrow and poorly signposted. It’s a pain that will never go away, but I hope no one else has to go through this,” João said.
Solutions promised by the concession
The concession contract provides for a series of improvements that promise to transform the reality of the highway.
In addition to the duplication of more than 300 kilometers, 51 route corrections will be carried out, 23 pedestrian walkways will be built, rest stops for truck drivers will be implemented and physical barriers will be installed to prevent head-on collisions.
According to ANTT's general director, Rafael Vitale, this is one of the most important actions to overcome the history of tragedies on the highway.
“We are rewriting the history of BR-381. The investment is not just financial, but in lives, in safety and in the future of Minas Gerais,” he said.
In addition to the structural works, the concession includes advanced technology measures, such as the installation of monitoring cameras, traffic sensors and real-time alert systems for drivers.
Integrating these resources with emergency teams will allow for a faster response in the event of accidents, increasing the chances of saving lives.
Positive environmental impact with the BR-281 works
The transformation of BR-381 will also bring significant environmental benefits.
Improving traffic flow will reduce fossil fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions.
According to ANTT, the duplication could cut more than 161 thousand tons of carbon dioxide throughout the concession, the equivalent of planting 1,1 million trees.
Another important point is the implementation of measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of the works, such as programs to recover degraded areas, sustainable waste management and preservation of local fauna and flora.
Social development perspective
The benefits of duplication go beyond infrastructure and directly reach the population.
The generation of jobs during the execution of the works is one of the most important factors, with a forecast of 601 direct vacancies at the peak of the interventions and an average of 534 jobs per year over the 30 years of the concession.
Furthermore, the increase in tax revenue, estimated at R$8 billion, will allow the impacted municipalities to invest in priority areas, such as health, education and public safety.
For residents of cities such as Coronel Fabriciano, Ipatinga and Governador Valadares, who face difficulties with poor access and unsafe transport, the duplication represents a new opportunity for growth and quality of life.
A new reality or more promises?
The history of unfinished works and postponed projects generates skepticism among part of the population.
Many question whether the duplication will be completed on time and whether the promised benefits will actually be delivered.
For experts, the success of the project depends on strict monitoring of the concession contract and compliance with the established goals.
If successful, the BR-381 duplication will not only transform the infrastructure of Minas Gerais, but will serve as an example for other concession projects in Brazil.
The question remains: will this be the definitive solution to the problems of the “highway of death”?
