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Construction of the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River revolutionizes transportation between states
If you think you've seen great engineering feats, wait until you see the construction of the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River, a monumental feat that seems to have come straight out of an epic tale! Located between the states of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, approximately 70 km upstream from the Ilha Solteira hydroelectric plant, this bridge is not just a physical connection, but a symbol of innovation and determination.
A Road-rail bridge over the Paraná River, officially called the Rollemberg-Vuolo Road-Rail Bridge, pays homage to two important figures: former congressman Roberto Rollemberg, who gives his name to the highway section, and former senator Vicente Vuolo, who named the railway section. Both played fundamental roles in the construction of this project, joining forces to carry out a project that had been dreamed of since the beginning of the 20th century.
Construction of the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River
The idea of building the bridge came about in 1901, when engineer Euclides da Cunha advocated a solution to connect the regions. However, it was only in 1975 that federal deputy Vicente Vuolo presented a bill to include the railway connection between São Paulo and Cuiabá, which was approved by Congress as Law No. 6.346.
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Construction of the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River effectively began in 1989, after Ferronorte won the bid to build and operate the railway section for 90 years. The project is a pioneer in Brazil for overlapping road and rail systems, with a main metal structure measuring 2.600 meters, divided into 26 modules of 100 meters manufactured in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais.
Foundation required the use of caissons that reached 55 meters deep
The logistics of transporting these modules to the site was a challenge in itself.. The technical team faced adverse conditions, such as winds of up to 150 km/h, currents of 3 km/h and waves of 2 meters high. The foundation required the use of caissons that reached 55 meters deep, consuming around 64 thousand cubic meters of concrete.
To speed up construction, an innovative platform was designed in the Netherlands to assist in drilling and pouring foundations. Care with the corrosion of the metal structure led to the use of high mechanical resistance steel, totaling a consumption of 20.007 tons of steel.
Total construction cost was estimated at R$550 million
Upon completion, the total cost of construction was estimated at R$550 million. The bridge not only facilitates the transportation of heavy cargo — responsible for 10% of the country's grain production to the Port of Santos — but has also become a tourist attraction due to its architectural beauty and the stunning landscape that surrounds it.
The bridge is 26 meters high and 18 meters wide.
The bridge is 26 meters high and 18 meters wide, with two concrete access viaducts measuring 720 and 450 meters. Its metal structure is formed by two parallel flange trusses, braced against each other. To ensure safety, load tests were carried out using locomotives and loaded trucks, proving that the construction behaved as predicted in the structural designs.
In May 1998, the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River was finally inaugurated, along with 110 km of railway line from Aparecida do Taboado to the Inocência terminal. Recently, the bridge received maintenance on its lighting, with the installation of 136 posts along its 3.600 meters and 54 nautical lights on the riverside section.
Construction of the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River was a real puzzle
A construction of the Road-Rail Bridge over the Paraná River was a real puzzle, but thanks to the tireless efforts of the entire team and workers involved, this mega project brought great progress to countless municipalities. Unfortunately, there are few records or digital collections about this impressive work., but his legacy remains as a testament to the capacity for overcoming and innovation of Brazilian engineering.
And you, what do you think about the impact of the construction of this bridge on regional development and national engineering? Share your opinion in the comments!
This bridge is really cool!!! I had the pleasure of staying for a few days in the city of Santa Fé do Sul, on the São Paulo side, and I visited the bridge on the Mato Grosso side in Aparecida do Taboado. At the time, a cargo train carrying corn grains passed by... it was really exciting to see that structure up close... it's phenomenal. That's when I discovered civil engineering.
Mato Grosso do Sul
This is good for the myth to see
Excellent…
I've crossed this bridge a few times. It's similar to the one that crosses the Hudson River in New York, a feat of engineering. At night, you can see it from a long way away and when you pass by, it looks like something out of a movie, a show like Broadway, very well lit, but without pornography!!
How good it is to see developments in our Brazil.
Seeing things really makes a difference.
My biggest dream would be to end river and air pollution.
And the railway is working...I think that so far it was the best thing they did.
Less pollution...now with this wonder...a thousand points, congratulations
President of Brazil... pay attention. To what is important for the country's development