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The future of Santa Catarina's infrastructure is about to change! In 2026, strategic highways such as BRs 470 and 282 could be transferred from the government to the private sector. Promises of widening, tolls and modernization generate optimism, but also raise questions. Will this be the beginning of a new era or just another project on paper?
Get ready for a revolution in Santa Catarina's road network!
Strategic highways that cross the state may soon change management and leave the hands of the federal government, paving the way for concessions that promise to transform the road transport scenario.
Did you know that long-awaited projects, such as the duplication of important sections, could finally come to fruition? However, the model adopted may surprise and raise questions about the impacts for drivers and investors.
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Four federal highways under analysis for concession
According to the superintendent of the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) in Santa Catarina, Alysson de Andrade, four federal highways are mapped for concessions in the state: BRs 470, 280, 153 and 282.
The responsibility for developing the preliminary studies lies with the company Infra SA, linked to the Union.
These concessions may include innovative projects that prioritize road maintenance and conservation, rather than highly complex works.
The proposal, defended by the Minister of Transport, Renan Filho, focuses on a more agile model, with shorter bidding periods.
“Our intention is to move forward with shorter contracts, avoiding bottlenecks that historically delay major projects,” the minister highlighted in a recent interview..
This strategy seeks to accelerate the implementation of essential improvements on Santa Catarina's roads, which face a heavy flow of vehicles, especially on commercial routes.
The year 2026 as a milestone in infrastructure
For Santa Catarina, 2026 has the potential to become an emblematic year.
According to Alysson de Andrade, the BR-470 duplication is scheduled for completion this year., one of the main road corridors in the state, which connects important economic centers to the coast.
Furthermore, BR-282, another essential road, should begin its duplication, ensuring greater safety and fluidity in traffic.
The duplication of these highways has been a long-standing dream of drivers and businesspeople in the region.
Currently, the roads face frequent congestion and have high accident rates.
“With the duplication and the new concession models, we hope not only to improve infrastructure, but also to reduce logistical costs and foster regional development,” said Andrade.
Hybrid model: an archived idea
Previously, the federal government considered adopting a hybrid model for concessions, in which sections of federal highways (BRs) would be auctioned together with state roads (SCs).
However, this proposal did not move forward. The decision to focus exclusively on federal highways reflects an attempt to avoid administrative conflicts and speed up bidding processes.
According to industry experts, simplifying contracts can attract more investors, especially those interested in less complex projects.
“Bids that only involve maintenance and conservation are seen as more attractive and less risky,” explained an infrastructure consultant interviewed by the report.
Impact on drivers and the challenge of fares
The concession of highways, however, is not without controversy. For drivers, one of the main concerns is the possible introduction of tolls on sections that are currently free.
Although charging fees may be seen as a burden, The federal government argues that the funds raised will be reinvested directly in the maintenance and improvement of roads.
The expectation is that the amounts charged will be balanced, considering the proposed concession model, which does not include large-scale works.
This approach aims to minimize upfront costs for utilities, resulting in more affordable rates for end users.
The strategic importance of BRs for Santa Catarina
Santa Catarina has a privileged location on the national scene, being one of the states with the greatest logistical integration.
BRs 470 and 282, in particular, play crucial roles in the flow of agro-industrial production and tourism, connecting the interior to the coast and the state's ports.
Therefore, the modernization of these highways is essential to strengthen Santa Catarina's competitiveness.
“With a more efficient road network, the state will be able to attract new investments and consolidate itself as a prominent logistics hub in Brazil,” commented an economist specializing in regional infrastructure.
Next steps and expectations
Infra SA's studies are at an advanced stage and should be completed in 2025.
If approved, the bidding processes could begin as early as 2026, allowing the new concessionaires to take over management of the highways by the end of the year.
“Our goal is to ensure that all stages are transparent and that contracts respect public and private interests,” reinforced Renan Filho.
The challenge now is to ensure that the expectations of drivers, business owners and investors are met, balancing efficiency, costs and safety.
Will the proposed model really transform Santa Catarina's infrastructure, or will we be faced with yet another empty promise?
Rest assured, taxes in the state will not decrease in this train, they will be scrapped and become more expensive, because EVERY private company has the objective of PROFIT, in capitalism this is fair, juxtaposed with capital as the center of every political organization.