A new bridge to solve the problems on BR-116! The emergency crossing promises to ease traffic in the region, reconnecting cities and bringing more safety to drivers.
A new and grandiose project has been attracting attention in Rio Grande do Sul: a bridge, carefully planned to connect the cities of Nova Petrópolis and Caxias do Sul, promises to be the answer to the constant traffic jams and access difficulties on BR-116.
Last Sunday (03), the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) took an important step by launching the first beam of the new bridge over the Caí River, marking the beginning of the final stage of construction of this essential structure to relieve local traffic.
The intervention, which takes place at km 174 of BR-116, aims to bring relief and safety to those who use the highway.
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This highly complex project aims to resolve the access problems generated by the previous bridge, which was unable to withstand the impact of the heavy rains that hit the state in May.
Emergency bridge after devastating rains
According to Dnit, the construction of this new bridge over the Caí River comes as a direct response to the damage caused by the intense rains that severely damaged the structure of the old bridge.
In May, the river's violent waters caused the crossing to deteriorate and eventually collapse, completely blocking the passage of pedestrians and vehicles.
The need for a quick solution led the agency to demolish the old structure in June and immediately begin work on a new bridge.
This effort is part of a significant emergency investment to ensure the safety and efficiency of traffic between these municipalities in Serra Gaúcha.
With an approximate value of R $ million 31, the project promises to meet local needs, in addition to being a milestone in the reconstruction of road access in the region.
Construction stages and progress so far
The work, technically known as a Special Work of Art (OAE), has three main phases.
The first two stages – infrastructure and mesostructure – have already been completed.
The infrastructure included the entire foundation of the bridge, while the mesostructure was responsible for erecting the support columns.
Now, the construction is in the superstructure phase, in which the beams that will support the bridge are installed.
After placing the beams, the next step will be to close the gaps, pour the concrete slabs, install the wheel guard and pave the crossing floor., detailed the Dnit.
This meticulous planning aims not only to restore connectivity between cities but also to prevent similar problems in future floods.
A higher and safer bridge
According to the preliminary project, this new bridge will be more resistant and also higher, being built one meter above the height of the previous bridge.
This elevation was planned considering the last flood, as a safety measure to face possible future floods..
The bridge is designed to be 180 meters long and 13 meters wide, ensuring greater space and safety for vehicle traffic.
The structure also promises to meet the intense flow in the region, being a relief especially for drivers who use BR-116 on the route between Nova Petrópolis and Caxias do Sul.
Significant investment for regional development
This project to build a new bridge over the Caí River is not just an emergency response; it is also a demonstration of the federal government's commitment to infrastructure in southern Brazil.
Os R$31 million earmarked for this emergency project represents a considerable investment in the safety and quality of life of residents and in the region's economy.
With the reconstruction of the bridge, Dnit hopes that traffic will return to normal and that access between municipalities will return to normal, without the hassle of congestion and detours.
According to official sources, this bridge is part of a series of investments to improve the country's main highways, facilitating logistics and transportation, which are fundamental for local development..
Furthermore, this work gains even more relevance at a time when Brazilian infrastructure faces major challenges due to climate change and extreme weather events, such as floods and storms.
What now? What will traffic be like?
With the work expected to be completed in the coming months, it remains to be seen whether this new bridge will be able to meet all expectations and be the definitive solution for traffic jams on BR-116.
Will this new crossing, designed with such precision, be enough to avoid future problems and ensure safety for drivers? Leave your comment and share your opinion about this initiative!