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Anticipated change at Trevo das Missões rekindles attention on one of the most congested points of arrival in Rio, with expected impact for drivers, bus passengers, and lines that depend on the connection between BR-040 and Avenida Brasil.
At the junction of the Washington Luís Highway (BR-040) with Avenida Brasil, the new overpass over Trevo das Missões is expected to be opened for operation on July 2 by the Rio City Hall, with a direct effect on the access of intercity buses to the selective lane.
Announced on June 28, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Terminal Missões, the measure is part of the reorganization of the Metropolitan BRT, a project aimed at expanding the connection between municipalities in Baixada Fluminense and the capital’s transportation system.
According to a technical study cited by the Urban Affairs Committee of the Rio Chamber, the opening of the structure could reduce travel time by 15 to 30 minutes for those arriving at Avenida Brasil via BR-040.
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Trevo das Missões concentrates BR-040 traffic
Considered one of the bottlenecks of entry into Rio, Trevo das Missões receives vehicles coming from the Serra Region, municipalities in Baixada Fluminense, and other areas connected to the capital by the Washington Luís Highway.
Complaints from passengers and drivers were forwarded to the Urban Affairs Committee, which brought the issue to the Rio City Hall through a letter sent on January 6.
Since this formal request, representatives of the municipal Legislature have been negotiating with the Executive to expedite the opening of the overpass, which was already completed but remained inaccessible to traffic.
The negotiation progressed amid the assessment that opening the structure could address a long-standing bottleneck and improve circulation at one of the main entry points of Avenida Brasil.
Intercity buses gain more direct access
Among the expected effects, the most immediate involves the intercity buses arriving via BR-040 and needing to reach the selective lane of Avenida Brasil, located on the opposite side of the central lane.
Before the release, these vehicles were required to cross traffic lanes after passing the interchange, a maneuver that created traffic conflicts and increased passengers’ travel time.
With the new road connection, buses coming from Washington Luís can follow a more direct route to the BRT selective lane, reducing lateral movements in the access section to Avenida Brasil.
According to the City’s estimates, about 300 buses are expected to use the new access daily, including approximately 160 intercity line vehicles and 140 highway buses heading to Novo Rio Bus Terminal.
Terminal Missões will have an investment of R$ 46 million
The opening of the viaduct takes place before the completion of Terminal Missões, planned for a strategic area between BR-040 and Avenida Brasil, with an estimated investment of R$ 46 million.
During the launch ceremony, Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere and the Municipal Secretary of Transport, Jorge Arraes, signed the commitment term authorizing the credit for the execution of the work.
Under the responsibility of the Municipal Infrastructure Secretariat, the terminal will occupy an area of approximately 84 thousand square meters, with an estimated completion time of one year from the contract signing.
When operational, the facility is expected to serve residents of Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, and Magé, as well as expand services to São João de Meriti and Belford Roxo, already covered by Terminal Margaridas.
According to calculations released by the City, the system expansion is expected to benefit about 1.4 million passengers per month in these regions, with integration to the Transbrasil corridor and connection to Terminal Gentileza.
Metropolitan BRT expands integration with Baixada
In the metropolitan transport network, Terminal Missões will be the second facility aimed at integrating Baixada Fluminense with Rio, after Terminal Margaridas, inaugurated on March 14.
Today, Terminal Margaridas connects passengers from Mesquita, São João de Meriti, Nova Iguaçu, Nilópolis, Belford Roxo, and Queimados to Rio’s municipal transport system.
For the new complex, platforms for BRT and feeder buses, access and ticket office building, public restrooms, driver support areas, bicycle parking, operational parking, and commercial spaces are planned.
According to Jorge Arraes, Municipal Secretary of Transport, the viaduct’s release should improve the flow of buses arriving via Washington Luís, by allowing direct access to the selective lane of Avenida Brasil.
In the evaluation of Pedro Duarte, councilor for PSD and president of the Urban Affairs Committee, the cooperation between the Executive and Legislative helps address the population’s daily problems and should be monitored to measure the effects on commuting.
For those who depend on the BR-040 to reach Rio, will the opening of the viaduct be enough to reduce delays at Trevo das Missões, or will further changes on Avenida Brasil still be necessary?
