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The Construction Of The Much-Anticipated Mega Bridge Salvador-Itaparica Of 12.4 Kilometers Between Salvador And The Island Of Itaparica Is About To Get Off The Ground.
After years of extensive negotiations, the Government of Bahia and a Chinese consortium reached an agreement that provides for investments of R$ 9 billion in the mega bridge Salvador-Itaparica. The announcement marked an important step for a project that promises to transform mobility and the economy of the region.
Renegotiation To Unlock The Work
The original contract, signed in 2020, stipulated a cost of R$ 6.3 billion, with R$ 1.5 billion of public resources and an annual contributiontion of R$ 56 million for 30 years.
However, the pandemic raised the costs of civil construction, leading the Chinese consortium – formed by the companies CR20 and CCCC – to request a financial rebalancing.
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Building a 95-square-meter house in 2026 can start at around R$ 185,000 at the reference base and exceed R$ 330,000 in high standard, but the final cost depends on the land, finishing, fees, and the region, with the South of the country being among the most expensive in Brazil.
The initial estimate was revised to R$ 13 billion, but the Bahia government rejected the terms, resulting in months of deadlock.
With the new proposal, adjusted to R$ 9 billion, the critical points of the contract were renegotiated, including the demand guarantee, which determines financial compensation if the traffic flow is below expected.
The solution now depends on the approval of the State Court of Accounts of Bahia (TCE), which is analyzing the final details.
Strategic Dialogue With China
The diplomatic relationship between Brazil and China has played an important role in advancing negotiations. The project was included in the agenda of meetings between President Lula and Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the G20.
“This point was included in the dialogue with the Chinese government and it will be treated as a priority project by both the government of Brazil and the Chinese government,” stated the Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa.
Timeline And Impacts
The start of civil works is expected in the coming months, and completion should occur within four years.
When completed, the Salvador-Itaparica bridge will be the second largest in Brazil, surpassed only by the Rio-Niterói bridge, and the largest in Latin America in terms of length over water.
In addition to reducing crossing time to about 15 minutes, the bridge will bring significant logistical benefits.
The distance between Salvador and tourist destinations in southern Bahia, such as Ilhéus, will be shortened, making land travel faster.
However, the project is not without criticism. Environmentalists warn about the impacts on mangroves and possible damage to the local ecosystem. Residents of the Island of Itaparica fear unplanned urban growth.
Obstacles Of The Mega Bridge
Despite the optimistic climate, the project still faces significant challenges. Representatives of the ports expressed concerns about the possible increase in operating costs.
Additionally, the local population and environmental sectors are closely monitoring the developments of the project.
Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues emphasized the importance of TCE approval to ensure the project’s continuity. “We have reached an agreement between the government and the consortium. Now, the document is being analyzed. I hope that we can advance this year,” he declared.
Complementary Infrastructure
The project is not limited to the construction of the bridge. It includes the duplication of the BA-001 highway and the creation of a new expressway with 22 kilometers between Mar Grande and Cacha Pregos.
In Salvador, a structure will connect the regions of Calçada and Água de Meninos, with viaducts and tunnels that will facilitate access.
Soil survey works are already underway, with 40% completed. The analysis, conducted with two barges in the All Saints Bay, is fundamental for the foundation of the 160 pillars that will support the bridge. The expectation is that this stage will be completed by March 2025.
The new infrastructure promises to boost tourism and the local economy, increasing the daily vehicle flow to 28,000. Cities in the Lower South, such as Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba, will be more connected to the capital, favoring regional development.
However, experts point out that challenges go beyond the numbers. Concerns about sustainability and environmental preservation remain at the center of the debate. On the other hand, technological advancements and the partnership with China position the project as a landmark in Brazilian infrastructure.
Nuca será feito por esse preço e no prazo, aguardem diversos atrasos e aumento de preço, e os xing ling estão comprando o mundo e impondo o seu modelo de negócio e cultura
Esse ponte nada mais é que compra de voto !
A demanda todos sabemos, o dobro que o consumo dos ferres .
Esta grande obra tem que ser com um projeto fonanceiramente bem elaborado para que não ocorra como muitas obras estaduais,federal sejam abandonadas como tantas foram esquecida,que este contrato realmente seja explicito que os responsável seja punidos.