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The São Borja-Santo Tomé International Bridge affects trade issues between Brazil and Argentina. Investment is positive for both countries.
The process of granting the Get up Internacional São Borja-Santo Tomé, responsible for connecting Brazil to Argentina, is moving forward with important updates and signaling a million-dollar investment.
Last Friday, (31), a new notice which paves the way for the modernization of this strategic infrastructure, essential for the flow of goods and people between the two countries.
The notice provides for significant investments and improvements to ensure greater traffic efficiency, with the opening of proposals scheduled for April 4, in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná.
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History of the Bridge: more than 30 years of relevance for commerce and tourism
The São Borja-Santo Tomé International Bridge is 15,62 km long, built based on a binational agreement between Brazil and Argentina, signed in 1989.
It connects the city of São Borja, in Rio Grande do Sul, to the municipality of Santo Tomé, in the province of Corrientes, in Argentina.
The bridge plays a vital role in international trade and is responsible for around 23% of trade operations between the two countries. In addition, it facilitates 40% of trade transactions between Brazil and Chile.
With the growing demand for more modern infrastructure, the new concession process aims not only to optimize the operation of the bridge, but also to expand the movement capacity and improve the logistics of the region.
It is worth remembering that the original concession contract was signed with the company Mercovia SA, lasting 25 years, and ended in 2021. Since then, the concession has been extended through additional terms.
In January of this year, a first auction for the concession of the bridge was cancelled by the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), but the publication of the new notice brought renewed expectations for the modernization of the infrastructure.
The project foresees a investment of approximately US$99 million, a significant amount that will be allocated to implementing structural and operational improvements.
The Ministry of Transport, together with Itamaraty, is leading negotiations with Argentine authorities, aiming to ensure the viability of the concession contract.
The National Secretary of Road Transport, Viviane Esse, highlighted the importance of the concession for both countries. She emphasized that the new concession model will bring a series of innovations that will directly benefit bilateral trade.
For Viviane, the “concession represents a significant advance, bringing a more modern and efficient model to both countries.”
Investments and improvements in the project
The new concession contract for the São Borja-Santo Tomé International Bridge will last 25 years and includes a series of works and services aimed at improving the bridge's infrastructure and ensuring greater agility in traffic.
Among the main improvements planned are: building new access lanes, creating an area for seized vehicles, implementing an exclusive yard for trucks and installing a new lighting system.
In addition, the concession project will include the operation of the Unified Border Center (CUF), an important structure that aims to optimize customs inspections and service to cargo vehicles.
With the modernization of facilities and the expansion of services, efficiency in traffic management will be substantially improved, providing a more agile experience for those crossing the border between the two countries.
Concession model and technological innovations
The new concession model brings significant innovations to the operation of the International Bridge, with the introduction of tariff steps linked to investment (Capex), which will ensure greater transparency and predictability in costs for users.
Furthermore, the concession provides for the implementation of discounts linked to mandatory services, with a focus on promoting competitiveness and encouraging the use of infrastructure.
Another important point is the creation of a Technological Development Resources (RDT) fund, aimed at modernizing road infrastructure.
The fund will enable the implementation of advanced technologies in traffic management and operational safety, providing continuous improvement in the efficiency of the São Borja-Santo Tomé International Bridge over time.
Now, we must wait until April 4th, when the proposals will be opened to transform the plan into reality.
With information from GOV Agency.
