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With R$ 14 million at stake, the new bridge promises to change the region. Open positions and a deadline that divides opinions: will December be enough to complete this ambitious project?
A bridge that promises to revolutionize traffic in the Vale do Taquari is driving millions in investments, generating jobs, and causing heated discussions.
While the promise to deliver the project by the end of the year attracts keen attention, the construction of the new crossing of ERS-130, which connects Lajeado and Arroio do Meio, has become a point of regional interest. But will such an optimistic deadline be met?
The construction of the 172-meter bridge, led by Engedal, has a budget of R$ 14 million and faces both technical and political challenges.
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With a completion forecast in December, the project faces criticism regarding the pace of work and, at the same time, offers vacancies for professionals who can speed up the finalization.
Currently, about 40 people work on site, but the company seeks to fill at least 20 new positions, prioritizing rebar workers, carpenters, bridge builders, and specialized engineers.
Jobs and Progress on the Project
According to Engedal, the intention is to hire professionals immediately, reinforcing the team to intensify the more complex stages of construction.
Among the available positions, there are also opportunities for bridge foremen and concrete engineers, reflecting the urgency in ensuring the schedule is met.
In recent weeks, the timid activity at the construction site has been the target of public criticism.
A video posted by Roberto Lucchese, director of Lyall Construction and Development, received significant attention on social media.
He questioned not only the pace of the work but also called for a firmer stance from the state government and the regional state and federal legislators.
Technical Progress
The most recent advance was the completion, at the end of October, of the piling outside the bed of the Forqueta River.
According to the Gaúcha Highway Company (EGR), 60 piles were driven that will serve as the foundation for the bridge’s pillars.
This stage is considered crucial to ensure the structural safety of the crossing, which will be larger and higher than the previous one.
The concreting of the 24 beams of 28 meters is the next major step. According to Engedal, the reinforcements are already prepared, and the work will begin immediately.
So far, 16 of the 48 piles in the riverbed have been completed, consolidating progress on the three pillars that will be submerged.
A Modern Crossing
The new bridge will have a length of 172 meters, 51 meters more than the old one, and will be five meters above the previous level.
The project includes two lanes on the main pavement and space dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, a significant gain for local mobility. Nonetheless, expectations and doubts about the deadline remain high.
Political and Community Pressure
The mayor of Arroio do Meio, Danilo Bruxel, expresses cautious optimism. Although in constant contact with state authorities, he does not hide his concern about meeting the schedule.
“It’s hard to believe they can finish on time, but we’re hoping for the best”, he says, mentioning the disruptions caused by the alternative crossings at the Iron Bridge and the Army Bridge.
Bruxel also highlights that he has received criticism from the population, but emphasizes that, as it is a state project, his role is only to hold the responsible authorities accountable.
“We are doing our part, pressing those who need to execute”, he reinforces.
The Bridge’s Schedule Is Tight
Since the project’s inception in June, stages such as soil testing, the assembly of the construction site, and the production of precast parts have been completed swiftly.
However, the tight deadline for the total delivery of the bridge by December raises skepticism, especially among local leaders and businesspeople.
Will this long-awaited project overcome challenges and meet the promised deadline, or will we face yet another case of delays that frustrate expectations and cause even more disruptions?
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