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One of the Most Anticipated Works in Paraná, with Almost R$ 400 Million in Investments, Could Bear the Name of None Other Than the Eternal King Pelé! The Guaratuba Bridge Promises to Revolutionize Mobility, Boost Tourism, and Eternalize the Greatest Player in History in a Structure That Will Be a National Symbol. See How to Follow the Work in Real Time!
The Structure Will Link Guaratuba to Matinhos, Boosting Tourism, Generating Jobs, and Should Eternalize the Name of the King of Football
The construction of the highly anticipated Guaratuba Bridge, on the coast of Paraná, is finally advancing after decades of political promises and delays.
With 44.2% of the works completed by February 2025, the structure is expected to connect the municipalities of Guaratuba and Matinhos, replacing the obsolete ferry-boat system.
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The project, which represents a milestone in regional integration, may bear the name of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the eternal King Pelé, according to a proposal presented by the Federation of Hotels, Gastronomy, Entertainment, and Similar Businesses (Feturismo) in a disclosure made by the website Ilha do Mel.
According to a report by journalist José Casado from Revista Veja, the tribute is not just symbolic: it carries a historical and cultural significance.
The bridge, which will require investments of R$ 386.9 million, is expected to transform the economic dynamics of the Paraná coast, favoring tourism, mobility, and job creation.
A Tribute Fit for the King
The proposal to name the bridge after Pelé was formally presented by Feturismo, which has been advocating for the idea since January 2023 as a way to recognize the legacy of a Brazilian who became a worldwide symbol of sports.
“It will be a major tourist reference in our state and a milestone in the development of the coast and the local community”, stated Fábio Aguayo, president of the entity, affiliated with the National Confederation of Tourism (CNTur).
For Aguayo, the name “Pelé” transcends football.
In his words, it is an expression that defines someone “extraordinary,” irreplaceable.
He recalls that the Pelé Foundation, in conjunction with a sports channel, even launched a national campaign to include the term “Pelé” in the dictionary as a synonym for excellence.
“The name of King Pelé carries a universal and eternal significance,” emphasized Aguayo.
Historic Project Breaks Decades of Promises
The construction of the Guaratuba Bridge officially began in 2023, after decades of political discussions, public protests, and environmental hurdles.
Until then, transportation between Guaratuba and Matinhos relied exclusively on the ferry-boat, causing congestion and logistical difficulties during peak seasons.
With a length of 1.2 km, the bridge will feature four traffic lanes and two side sidewalks with three-meter-wide bike lanes.
According to the Department of Highways of Paraná (DER-PR), 40 of the 64 planned piles have been installed and 41 crossbeams have already been completed, solidifying the progress of the work which is on schedule.
The Paraná government expects to deliver the structure by April 2026, and work can be monitored in real time through a digital monitoring system accessible to the public.
This transparency aims to strengthen the relationship between the government and society, in addition to avoiding delays and unnecessary expenses.
Expected Economic and Social Impacts
The investment of nearly R$ 400 million in the bridge has the potential to create a positive domino effect on the local economy.
According to infrastructure and tourism experts, the new road link will allow a greater flow of tourists to the coast of Paraná, increasing property values, boosting the hospitality sector, and encouraging the opening of new businesses.
Additionally, the construction phase has already generated hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, stimulating the job market in the region.
For the residents of Guaratuba and Matinhos, who for years faced difficulties with the ferry, the new bridge represents not only convenience but also dignity and easier access to essential public services.
Pelé as an Eternal Symbol of Excellence
The idea of naming the bridge in honor of Pelé also connects to the international recognition of the athlete.
In December 2022, the International Olympic Committee paid tribute to the star, and in various countries, streets, stadiums, and squares already bear his name.
In Brazil, the choice of a major public work to eternalize Pelé is seen as a gesture of historical justice.
Fábio Aguayo emphasizes that the bridge could become an attraction in its own right.
“The King Pelé Bridge will be a new postcard. It’s the type of attraction that invites tourists to stop, take photos, learn about, and appreciate the history of the place”, argues the Feturismo leader.
Monitoring and Technological Innovation
A key differentiator of the construction of the Guaratuba Bridge is the use of cutting-edge technologies.
The construction site is monitored 24 hours a day by live cameras, and the progress can be followed online by any citizen, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and public oversight.
Additionally, sensors installed in the structure will allow, after completion, automatic checks of vibration, weight, and temperature, ensuring preventive safety and effective maintenance. This innovation places the bridge among the most modern in Brazil.
Pelé in the Dictionary?
The proposal from the Pelé Foundation to include the name of the King as a synonym for excellence is still under review by language and culture agencies.
The idea is that “to be Pelé” represents the highest level of quality, genius, or performance in any field, whether in sports, the arts, or science.
If this campaign gains traction, the King Pelé Bridge would be more than a tribute: it would become a physical symbol of what Brazil has of the most extraordinary.
Infrastructure works should always embody the spirit of a people. In this case, do you think that the name of Pelé is the most appropriate to name this historic bridge? Or would another Brazilian icon deserve this homage? Share your opinion!
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