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State Makes Historic Leap in Infrastructure with Brazil’s First Underwater Tunnel. Valued at R$ 1 billion, the project promises to transform the connection between two cities, reducing travel times and improving mobility.
Imagine a project capable of transforming not only the urban mobility of a region but also the economic and logistical potential of an entire state.
This is the proposal for Brazil’s first underwater tunnel, valued at over R$ 1 billion.
The construction promises to revolutionize transportation along the northern coast of Santa Catarina, connecting Itajaí and Navegantes with infrastructure that has never been seen in the country.
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What Will the Tunnel Be Like?
The underwater tunnel will be 548 meters long and will be built 29 meters deep in the bed of the Itajaí-Açu River, which separates the cities of Itajaí and Navegantes.
It will feature exclusive lanes for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, allowing for a much more efficient and sustainable connection between the two municipalities, which together have a population of 347,000 inhabitants.
Currently, the crossing between the cities is done by ferries, a time-consuming method that limits the flow of transportation in the region.
With the tunnel, the distance will be reduced to a few meters, eliminating the need to travel the current 20 kilometers via BR-101.
According to João Luiz Demantova, the technical manager for the Integrated Mobility Project of the Itajaí River Mouth (Promobis), “this is the major bottleneck for mobility in our region.
We have the airport and the port of Navegantes on one side of the river and, on the other, the port of Itajaí and tourist municipalities like Balneário Camboriú, Itapema, and Bombinhas.”
Why Not a Bridge?
The initial idea was to build a bridge to connect the cities.
However, technical studies showed that the structure would need to be at least 65 meters high to not interfere with the navigation of ships using the port of Itajaí, one of the most important in Brazil.
Other options, such as movable bridges, were also analyzed, but the costs would be nearly equivalent to those of a tunnel, with the disadvantage of causing greater environmental and visual impact.
According to Demantova, “the main regions in the world with ports choose tunnels to avoid hindering the growth of port activities.”
The chosen model will be an immersed type, with pre-molded parts anchored in the riverbed. This method ensures a depth of 29 meters, allowing for a free draft of 13 meters for navigation.
Investment and Timelines
The total cost of the project is estimated at US$ 188 million, or about R$ 1.14 billion at current exchange rates.
Of this amount, only a small portion will be funded by the public authority – US$ 8 million (R$ 48.7 million) – while the remainder will be covered by the private sector.
After the completion of ongoing environmental and technical studies, a bidding process will be opened to select the company responsible for the construction and operation of the tunnel.
The expectation is that construction will begin in 2026, with completion in 2029. The winning company will be able to operate the stretch for 35 years, charging fees estimated at R$ 4.50 for motorcycles and R$ 10 for cars. The rates for trucks are still under review.
Environmental and Social Impacts
Although the project seems promising, detailed analyses will be conducted throughout 2025 to assess the environmental impacts of the construction.
The tunnel’s entrances and exits are planned for the neighborhoods of Imaruí, in Itajaí, and São Domingos, in Navegantes. However, these locations may change if the studies indicate more viable options.
One of the main advantages pointed out by the creators is that the tunnel will cause fewer environmental, visual, and noise impacts compared to a bridge.
Additionally, the construction promises to be faster and less invasive, ensuring the preservation of the riverbed and the surrounding areas.
Other Initiatives by Promobis
The underwater tunnel is part of the Integrated Mobility Project of the Itajaí River Mouth (Promobis), which includes a series of initiatives aimed at improving mobility and infrastructure in the region. Among them are:
- A 100% electric regional public transport system (BRT);
- Implementation of urban mobility corridors;
- Climate resilience works in cities like Balneário Camboriú.
The total investment in all these actions could reach R$ 2 billion, with an expected completion date of 2032.
Part of the funding will be provided by the World Bank, which is still in the contracting phase, along with contributions from the state and municipal governments.
Tunnel is a Milestone for Brazil
In addition to the tunnel in Santa Catarina, another similar project is planned to connect Santos and Guarujá, on the coast of São Paulo.
However, construction has not yet started, which positions the state of Santa Catarina at the forefront of this type of infrastructure in the country.
The tunnel promises not only to improve urban mobility but also to boost tourism and commerce in the region, consolidating Itajaí and Navegantes as strategic hubs in the national landscape.
And what do you think of this innovation?
Do you think the underwater tunnel will truly transform transportation in Brazil? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the debate on the future of mobility in the country!
Estes ambientalistas não ajuda nem um pouco mas só atrapalham o desenvolvimento do Brasil
Tem tantas outras prioridades, este governo quer fazer lavagem de bilhões e continuar só em promoção política e igual o professor dele BOSSONARO.
Mente atrasada hein.
Muito melhor do que gastar em viagens e vinhos caros…