1. Home
  2. / Curiosities
  3. / Newly paved highway has a POST in the middle of the road and shocks drivers; see the photo
Address BA reading time 5 min read Comments 0 comments

Newly paved highway has a POST in the middle of the road and shocks drivers; see the photo

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 15/01/2025 às 22:48
Updated 16/01/2025 às 12:14
Highway in Bahia shocks drivers by leaving pole in the middle of the road. The case goes viral and generates criticism against the state government.
Highway in Bahia shocks drivers by leaving pole in the middle of the road. The case goes viral and generates criticism against the state government.

In Bahia, a newly paved highway became a scandal: a pole was left in the middle of the road. The incident drew national attention, generating memes, political criticism and concerns about safety. Drivers face risks while the government has yet to present clear solutions. How long will situations like this be tolerated in Brazil?

In the heart of southwest Bahia, an unusual episode has caught the attention of drivers, residents and internet users.

A newly paved highway that was supposed to symbolize progress and safety became a source of shock and outrage.

The scene that shocks and defies logic: a solitary lamppost right in the middle of the road. This story, which seems to have come straight out of a comedy script, is generating a buzz on social media and reigniting the debate about infrastructure and public planning in Brazil.

What happened on BA-026?

The controversy involves the state highway BA-026, recently paved in the section that connects the municipalities of Rio do Antônio and Caculé, in Bahia.

According to information released by Lauro Jardim's column on the portal UOL, the road, previously gravel, underwent improvement works about three months ago.

To widen the track and make it safer for drivers, widening was necessary.

However, during the paving process, one detail was forgotten: the post that was previously on the side of the road now occupies a central place on the asphalt.

According to local reports, the problem was identified shortly after the paving was completed, but so far no action has been taken to correct the situation.

Near the site, there is a sharp curve, which further increases the risk of accidents. The negligence has drawn intense criticism, especially from opposition political figures.

Political and social media repercussions

The case was widely commented on by the national vice president of the União Brasil party, ACM Neto. On his social media, he did not hold back in criticizing the state government.

“Another mess by the Jerônimo government, this time it was on BA-026, between the municipalities of Rio do Antônio and Caculé. No one believes the story…”, he wrote.

The statement gained traction among internet users, who quickly turned the episode into memes and viral videos.

On social media, drivers who pass through the area record the absurdity with photos and videos, making fun of the situation.

Phrases like “Brazil is not for amateurs” and “this is the definition of a botch job” are among the most frequent comments.

However, for residents and drivers who depend on the highway, the issue goes far beyond humor. It is a public safety issue.

Impacts and risks for drivers

Traffic experts warn of the dangers posed by obstacles like this.

A pole in the middle of the road can be fatal if you are not paying attention, especially in poorly lit areas or during sudden maneuvers to avoid traffic.

Additionally, the sharp curve near the pole increases the chances of collisions.

According to a survey carried out by the Brazilian Institute of Traffic Safety, poorly positioned obstacles are among the main causes of serious accidents on Brazilian highways.

Drivers using the BA-026 reported moments of tension when having to swerve sharply away from the pole.

“I passed by at night and almost didn’t see it. It was a huge scare,” said a local driver in an interview with regional media outlets.

Another road user commented: “I can’t believe that a new project would start with such a serious error. It’s disgusting.”

What does the state government say?

The government of Bahia, led by Jerônimo Rodrigues, has not yet officially taken a position on the case.

However, according to information gathered by regional portals, responsibility for the pole should have been handled by the concessionaire responsible for maintaining the electricity grid.

The lack of dialogue between the road authorities and the concessionaire may have been the key point for the absurd situation.

Infrastructure experts emphasize that integrated planning between different sectors is essential in large-scale projects.

“Before starting any paving, it is essential to identify and remove obstacles such as posts, underground networks and the like. The fact that this was not done shows a serious flaw in planning,” said a civil engineer interviewed by Bahia Mail.

Similar cases in Brazil

Unfortunately, the presence of poles in the middle of highways is not an isolated case in Brazil. In 2022, a similar episode occurred in the state of Pernambuco, on a recently renovated road.

In São Paulo, residents of a small town reported the existence of a tree in the middle of the asphalt.

These examples illustrate a recurring problem: the lack of supervision and effective communication between public bodies and concessionaires.

The National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) has already issued technical notes on the importance of avoiding this type of situation, but practical implementation still seems far away.

What is the solution for the pole on BA-026?

The solution for the BA-026 case involves removing the post and adapting the runway.

According to experts, the energy company must be called upon to move the structure, ensuring that traffic flows without risks.

Removal, however, requires coordination between the state government and the company responsible for the power grid, which can take weeks or even months.

Meanwhile, local residents remain concerned about the risks. “I just hope something is done before a serious accident occurs.

It is unacceptable that we need to wait for tragedies to resolve such simple things,” complained a local businessman.

And you, reader? What do you think of this type of neglect in public works? To what extent does the lack of planning compromise the development of infrastructure in Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments!

Be the first to react!
React to article
Registration
Notify
guest
0 Comments
Older
Last Most voted
Feedbacks
View all comments
Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints on broadcast TV channels and over 12 online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

Share across apps
0
We would love your opinion on this subject, comment!x