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With an Investment of R$ 31 Million, the New Bridge Between Caxias do Sul and Nova Petrópolis on BR-116 Is About to Be Completed, After the Old Structure Gave In to the Heavy Rains in May.
The works for the new bridge on BR-116, which will connect Caxias do Sul and Nova Petrópolis in Rio Grande do Sul, are just a few steps away from completion.
After months of waiting and planning, the final structure, eagerly awaited by the local population, has begun to take shape, signaling the end of a period of intense disruptions for the region.
Last Sunday (3), the first beam was placed, a significant milestone that announces the final stage of this long-awaited construction.
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This bridge, which replaces an old structure that gave way under extreme weather conditions, will bring more safety and comfort for thousands of drivers who rely on this route for their daily routines.
According to information from the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), released on Wednesday (6), the reopening of the bridge to traffic is expected in December 2024, although total completion of the work is anticipated for February 2025.
Works Advance with Million-Dollar Investment
The project to reconstruct the bridge over the Rio Caí involves an investment of R$ 31 million.
The structure, measuring 180 meters in length and 13 meters in width, will be one meter higher than the previous one, aiming to avoid problems during future floods.
With the installation of the beams, only the closure of the spans, the concreting of the slabs, the construction of the guardrail, and the paving of the road remain.
So far, the infrastructure phases, which included the bridge’s foundation and mesostructure, have already been completed.
These advances ensure a solid and safe base for the new crossing, considered essential for improving mobility and the economy of the region.
Reconstruction After Natural Disaster
The old bridge, which was the main link between Serra Gaúcha and the Hortênsias region, partially collapsed in May 2024, after a historic flood of the Rio Caí caused by heavy rains.
This incident left the section of BR-116 at km 174 completely blocked, being the last point on federal highways in Rio Grande do Sul to remain isolated due to the natural disaster.
The dramatic situation prompted a swift response from authorities and the local population.
In June, the Minister of Transportation, Renan Filho, signed the order to start the works for the new bridge.
Subsequently, on June 27, the old structure was demolished, making way for the current project.
Since then, the reconstruction has progressed according to the schedule, with a temporary solution to minimize disruptions.
Temporary Bridge and Community Support
Amid the challenges faced by drivers and merchants in the region, the local community came together to build a provisional bridge.
On September 20, the Cooperation Bridge was inaugurated, a temporary solution led by businesspeople and residents, which allowed traffic to resume in the area.
This structure, even though it is not permanent, has been vital in maintaining vehicle flow and avoiding greater losses for the local economy.
The collective effort demonstrates the community’s resilience and determination to keep the region connected, even in the face of adversities.
However, the temporary bridge does not eliminate the urgent need for the permanent structure, which will bring substantial improvements and a level of safety that the current crossing does not provide.
Expectations and Economic Impact
The new bridge will bring significant positive impacts to the local economy, facilitating the transport of goods and the movement of people between Caxias do Sul and Nova Petrópolis.
In addition to ensuring more safety, the modernized structure will contribute to the region’s development, boosting tourism and logistics.
With the completion of the works expected at the beginning of 2025, the expectation is that the bridge will boost the economy by reducing travel times and providing a more efficient connection between the two cities, which have strong commercial and tourist ties.
The investment in infrastructure is seen as a strategic step to ensure long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth in the region.
What to Expect from This New Crossing Over the Rio Caí? The population will be able to rely on a modern, safe, and robust structure, capable of facing climatic challenges and mobility demands.
The new bridge will be essential not only for local drivers but also for businesses that use this route as an important logistical corridor between different parts of the state.
How will this new bridge transform the daily routine of drivers and strengthen the local economy? What will the impact be on businesses and tourism in Serra Gaúcha?
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