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BR-285 Is Undergoing Monumental Work: A 50-Meter-High Retaining Structure, Surpassing the Height of a 15-Story Building. With an Investment of R$ 62 Million, DNIT Aims to Ensure Driver Safety and Prevent Landslides, Transforming the Highway into a Crucial Logistics Corridor.
The construction of highways in mountainous areas always poses challenges that require innovative solutions and significant investments.
In the case of BR-285, in Serra da Rocinha, Santa Catarina, the ground conditions and the history of landslides made the work even more complex.
To ensure the safety of drivers and avoid new disruptions, the highway will feature a colossal 50-Meter-High Retaining Structure, equivalent to a building of more than 15 stories.
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This intervention is part of an essential infrastructure project to connect Southern Brazil and consolidate an important highway corridor between Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
The initiative is led by the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT/SC) and represents an investment of R$ 62 million.
The schedule anticipates completion of the work in up to one year, with interventions that include not only the construction of the retaining structure but also the asphalting of the final 80-Meter Stretch that will definitively connect the two regions.
Geological Risks and Technical Solution
The work on BR-285 was interrupted in February of last year due to a major landslide on the slope.
The unstable terrain of Serra da Rocinha required a new engineering project as the soil exhibits a high degree of fragmentation, with fissured rocks and great susceptibility to displacements.
According to DNIT/SC Superintendent Alysson de Andrade, the main concern was to develop a structural solution capable of withstanding the geological challenges of the region. “The massif has very fragmented rock, with fissures,” the engineer explained.
Based on this diagnosis, the anchored curtain technique was chosen, which consists of the installation of concrete walls anchored with metallic ties to stabilize the slope.
In addition to this structure, the slope will receive a concrete mesh covering, forming a protective belt to prevent rock falls.
This solution was designed to withstand heavy rains and adverse weather conditions, minimizing the risks of new landslides that could compromise the highway.
Challenges of Construction in a Hostile Environment
Serra da Rocinha presents one of the most rugged terrains in Southern Brazil, making the execution of the work extremely challenging.
To enable the work, the specialized teams will have to resort to rappelling and industrial climbing techniques to act in hard-to-reach places.
This method, generally used in mountaineering and rescues in remote areas, has become essential for workers to fix structural components without compromising safety.
Engineers will also need to deal with soil instability and the harsh weather conditions of the mountain.
The region frequently experiences heavy rains and dense fog, factors that can interfere with the progress of the work.
Therefore, the planning includes continuous geotechnical monitoring, ensuring that the execution follows strict safety standards.
Strategic Importance of BR-285 for the Economy
With 744 kilometers in length, BR-285 plays a fundamental role in the economy of the South, connecting Araranguá (SC) to São Borja (RS).
The completion of the works will not only facilitate the movement of residents and tourists but will also provide a new logistical axis for the flow of goods, directly benefiting the agribusiness and local industry.
Moreover, the highway will become a strategic alternative to reduce dependence on other overloaded routes, allowing for better distribution of freight vehicle traffic.
The positive impact of the work will be felt not only in trade between the two states but also in the reduction of logistics costs and the strengthening of the regional economy.
Serra da Rocinha, known for its natural beauty, could also become an attraction for road tourism, encouraging visits from travelers traversing the roads of Southern Brazil.
The improved infrastructure is expected to boost the tourism sector, fostering businesses such as inns, restaurants, and ecotourism services.
Timelines and Expectations for Project Completion
According to DNIT, work will commence in March and is expected to be completed within an estimated timeframe of one year.
Despite the tight schedule, the team responsible for executing the project emphasizes that the priority will be to ensure that all phases are completed safely and with quality.
The construction of the mega retaining structure marks a significant advancement in Brazilian highway infrastructure, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to ensure safety and durability in critical sections.
The expectation is that, with the completion of the work, BR-285 will become a safe, efficient, and essential route for mobility and economic development in Southern Brazil.
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