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Historic work: Guaratuba Bridge is moving forward at full steam with unprecedented technology and rigorous environmental protection!
Scheduled for completion in April 2026, the construction The long-awaited Guaratuba Bridge has already reached 44,2% completion. The project, one of the largest of the Paraná Government, surprises not only with its robust numbers, but also with its cutting-edge engineering and sustainable measures.
Techniques such as the use of 230 tons of ice in the concrete, environmental monitoring of more than 10 thousand animals and continuous operation with the support of five vessels highlight the complexity and care for the environment involved in this grand infrastructure project.
Guaratuba Bridge project uses ice as an ally in concreting
One of the most curious and technical details of the construction of the Guaratuba Bridge is the strategic use of ice in the concreting of the crown blocks.
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From November 2024 to January 2025, around 100 kg of ice was applied per cubic meter of concrete – totaling an impressive 230 tons.
This technique aims to control the temperature of the mixture during cement hydration, avoiding thermal cracks in large-volume structures.
“This method is common in large projects and essential to guarantee the integrity of the concrete,” informed the engineering team of the Supervising Consortium of the project.
Steel, concrete and cable-stayed structure
To date, more than 2 tons of steel and 13.150 cubic meters of concrete have been used.
For comparison purposes, this represents around 16% of the total used in the construction of the new Maracanã.
The piles supporting the bridge are between 180 and 220 centimeters in diameter, up to 50 meters long and weigh 470 tons – the equivalent of five Boeing 737 airplanes.
Another technical highlight of the Guaratuba Bridge will be the cable-stayed section, where steel cables anchored to towers will support the track, allowing vessels to navigate the bay.
In total, 64 piles will be driven into the bottom of the bay.
Starting stave: the piece that starts the superstructure
The execution of the call starting stave also marks an important stage in construction.
This piece is used in the cantilever method, in which parts of the bridge are gradually built from a central pillar.
The technique allows the construction of large spans without interrupting water traffic.
The Guaratuba Bridge project currently has 634 professionals working on the site. Of these, 457 were hired directly by the Nova Ponte Consortium and another 177 by subcontracted companies.
The workforce includes engineers, bricklayers, welders, as well as environmental specialists such as biologists, oceanographers and sailors.
Monitoring of more than 10 thousand animals
Preserving the region’s ecosystem is one of the project’s priorities.
According to biologist Aline Prado, from the Supervisory Consortium, continuous environmental monitoring has already identified rare species, such as frogs and turtles, as well as dolphins and a significant population of scarlet ibises, birds that have recently been suffering population decline.
“Each monitoring visit is a surprise, as we always record some new species. It is gratifying to see dozens of scarlet ibises in flocks, a rare and important sight for the conservation of local fauna,” Prado highlights.
24h 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 with concrete and metal structures.
When completed, the Guaratuba Bridge will allow the crossing in just two minutes – a significant contrast to the current ferry journey, which takes 20 to 30 minutes.
The new mobility model will eliminate maritime congestion and ensure greater fluidity in traffic on 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 CEO of the Department of Highways (DER/PR), Fernando Furiatti, reinforces:
“The construction of the Guaratuba Bridge is progressing at a fast pace, reaching important milestones that reflect our commitment to this long-awaited project. We are already seeing the structure taking shape, boosting the local economy and ensuring a new future for mobility on the coast of Paraná.”
The project's supervisory engineer, Larissa Vieira, also highlighted the strategic importance of the project:
“The magnitude of the work is impressive due to the numbers, speed and investments. Our daily commitment is to make this bridge a landmark in transportation, economy and development for the coastal population.”
The Guaratuba Bridge, expected for more than three decades, is no longer a distant dream but a concrete reality.
Source: Government of Paraná
