Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Historic Work: Guaratuba Bridge Advances at Full Speed with Unprecedented Technology and Strict Environmental Protection!
With a projected completion date in April 2026, the construction of the highly anticipated Guaratuba Bridge has already reached 44.2% completion. The project, one of the largest by the Government of Paraná, impresses not only with its robust numbers but also with its cutting-edge engineering and sustainable measures.
Techniques such as using 230 tons of ice in concrete, environmental monitoring of over 10,000 animals, and continuous operation supported by five vessels highlight the complexity and care for the environment involved in this grand infrastructure work.
Guaratuba Bridge Work Uses Ice as an Ally in Concrete Pouring
One of the most curious and technical details of the construction of the Guaratuba Bridge is the strategic use of ice in the pouring of the crown blocks.
-
Florianópolis will receive a million-dollar BRT that will begin construction in 2026 with nearly 400 million in funding from the federal government and the Inter-American Development Bank, and the map already shows the routes for the exclusive bus corridors.
-
Without a blueprint, without an engineer, and using scrap from the dump, a father spends 15 years building an 18-room castle for his daughter, featuring tram tracks, 13 fireplaces, and over 700 m², which may now be demolished.
-
A megaproject worth R$ 89 billion is advancing in Iraq and promises to change the game in global trade by creating a new corridor between Asia and Europe, reducing traditional routes and repositioning the country as a logistics powerhouse.
-
Goodbye bedside table: floating shelves become a trend in 2026 by freeing up space in the bedroom, improving circulation, bringing visual lightness, and integrating technology without taking up floor space.
From November 2024 to January 2025, about 100 kg of ice per cubic meter of concrete was applied – totaling an impressive 230 tons.
This technique aims to control the temperature of the mix during the hydration of the cement, preventing thermal cracks in large-volume structures.
“This method is common in major projects and essential to ensure the integrity of the concrete,” informed the engineering team of the Supervisory Consortium of the work.
Steel, Concrete, and Stressed Structure
So far, over 2,000 tons of steel and 13,150 cubic meters of concrete have been used.
For comparison, this represents about 16% of the total used in the construction of the new Maracanã.
The piles that support the bridge have diameters between 180 and 220 centimeters, with lengths of up to 50 meters and weights of 470 tons – equivalent to five Boeing 737 airplanes.
Another technical highlight of the Guaratuba Bridge will be the stressed section, where steel cables anchored in towers will support the roadway, allowing vessel navigation in the bay.
In total, there will be 64 piles driven into the bay’s bottom.
Starting Segment: The Piece that Initiates the Superstructure
The execution of the so-called starting segment also marks an important stage of the construction.
This piece is used in the method of successive cantilevers, where parts of the bridge are gradually constructed from a central pillar.
The technique allows the construction of large spans without interrupting aquatic traffic.
Currently, the Guaratuba Bridge project employs 634 professionals on-site. Of these, 457 were directly hired by the Nova Ponte Consortium and 177 by subcontracted companies.
The workforce includes engineers, masons, welders, as well as environmental specialists such as biologists, oceanographers, and sailors.
Monitoring of Over 10,000 Animals
The preservation of the region’s ecosystem is one of the project’s priorities.
According to biologist Aline Prado from the Supervisory Consortium, ongoing environmental monitoring has already identified rare species such as frogs and turtles, in addition to dolphins and a significant population of scarlet ibises, birds that have recently been experiencing population decline.
“Each monitoring session is a surprise, as we always record some new species. It’s gratifying to see dozens of scarlet ibises in flight, a rare and important scene for the conservation of local wildlife,” highlights Prado.
24/7 Operation with Support Vessels
To maintain the intense pace of construction, work is carried out 24 hours a day, with logistical support from five vessels.
Two barges with cranes are responsible for executing the foundations, while three other barges transport concrete mixer trucks and metal structures.
When completed, the Guaratuba Bridge will allow crossing in just two minutes – a significant contrast to the current ferry boat journey, which takes 20 to 30 minutes.
The new mobility model will eliminate maritime congestion and ensure smoother traffic along the Paraná coast.
The construction of the Guaratuba Bridge represents a historic change in mobility between the municipalities of Guaratuba and Matinhos, in the coastal region of Paraná.
The Director-President of the Department of Highways (DER/PR), Fernando Furiatti, emphasizes:
“The construction of the Guaratuba Bridge is progressing rapidly, reaching important milestones that reflect our commitment to this much-anticipated project. We can already see the structure taking shape, boosting the local economy and ensuring a new future for mobility along the Paraná coast.”
The project’s fiscal engineer, Larissa Vieira, also highlighted the strategic importance of the project:
“The magnitude of the work impresses with its numbers, speed, and investments. Our commitment is daily to make this bridge a landmark in transportation, economy, and development for the coastal population.”
The Guaratuba Bridge, long awaited for over three decades, is turning from a distant dream into a concrete reality.
Source: Government of Paraná
Seja o primeiro a reagir!