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The construction of the long-awaited mega bridge Salvador-Itaparica 12,4 kilometers between Salvador and Itaparica Island is about to come to fruition.
After years of negotiations, the Government of Bahia and a Chinese consortium reached an agreement that foresees investments of R$9 billion in the mega bridge Salvador-Itaparica. The announcement marked an important step for a project that promises to transform the region’s mobility and economy.
Renegotiation to unlock the work
The original contract, signed in 2020, predicted a cost of R$6,3 billion, with R$1,5 billion in public funds and a counterprestaction annual amount of R$56 million for 30 years.
However, the pandemic has increased construction costs, leading the Chinese consortiums – formed by the companies CR20 and CCCC – requesting a financial rebalancing.
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The initial estimate was revised to R$13 billion, but the Bahian government rejected the terms, resulting in months of impasse.
With the new proposal, adjusted to $ 9 billion, the critical points of the contract were renegotiated, including demand insurance, which determines financial compensation if the flow of vehicles is below expectations.
The solution now depends on the approval of the Court of Auditors of the State of Bahia (TCE), which analyzes the final details.
Strategic dialogue with China
Diplomatic relations between Brazil and China played an important role in advancing negotiations. The project was included on 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 for both the Brazilian and Chinese governments.”, said the Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa.
Schedule and Impacts
The start of civil works is scheduled for the coming months, and completion should take place within four years.
When completed, the Salvador-Itaparica bridge will be the second largest in Brazil, behind only the Rio-Niterói bridge, and the largest in Latin America in terms of length over water.
In addition to reducing crossing time to around 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 its critics. Environmentalists warn of the impacts on mangroves and possible damage to the local ecosystem. The population of Itaparica Island fears uncontrolled urban growth.
Mega bridge obstacles
Despite the optimistic mood, the project still faces significant challenges. Port representatives have expressed concerns about possible increases in operating costs.
Furthermore, the local population and environmental sectors remain attentive to the developments of the project.
Governor Jerônimo Rodrigues stressed the importance of approval by the TCE to ensure the continuity of the project. “We reached an agreement between the government and the consortium. The document is now being analyzed. I hope that we can move forward this year,” he said.
Complementary infrastructure
The project is not limited to the construction of the bridge. It includes the widening of the BA-001 highway and the creation of a new 22-kilometer expressway between Mar Grande and Cacha Pregos.
In Salvador, a structure will connect the Calçada and Água de Meninos regions, with viaducts and tunnels that will facilitate access.
Soil survey work is already underway, with 40% completed. The analysis, carried out using two barges in Todos-os-Santos Bay, is essential for the foundation of the 160 pillars that will support the bridge. This stage is expected to be completed by March 2025.
The new infrastructure promises to boost tourism and the local economy, increasing the daily flow of vehicles to 28. Cities in the Baixo-Sul region, such as Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba, will be better connected to the capital, favoring regional development.
However, experts point out that the challenges go beyond the numbers. Concerns about sustainability and environmental preservation remain at the center of the debate. On the other hand, technological advances and the partnership with China place the project as a milestone in Brazilian infrastructure.
This great work must have a well-designed financial project so that it does not happen like many state and federal works are abandoned as so many have been forgotten, that this contract really is explicit and that those responsible are punished.
This bridge is nothing more than vote buying!
We all know the demand is double the consumption of iron.