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Investments of R$ 1 billion Are Transforming Highways in Brazilian States! From the Revolutionary New Pavement on the BR to the Bridge Expansion, the Promise Is for Modern and Safe Roads. Will These Advances Be Able to Overcome the Historical Challenges of the Region?
The future of federal highways in Acre Promises a Historic Transformation.
With investments exceeding R$ 1 billion, the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) plans not only to restore roads but to revolutionize infrastructure with new technologies and iconic works.
However, geological challenges and operational barriers still test the efficiency of this endeavor. Are we about to witness a new era for traffic in the region?
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On the program Bar do Vaz, aired by the channel ac24horas last Thursday (23), journalist Roberto Vaz hosted Ricardo Araújo, regional superintendent of DNIT in Acre.
During the conversation, Araújo brought attention to advancements in the construction of highways BR-317 and BR-364, as well as detailing maintenance challenges and the impact of new technologies in the state.
BR-317: New Reality on the Roads of Acre
BR-317, which connects Rio Branco to Brasileia, shows significant advancements.
According to Araújo, the highway now features high-quality stretches following interventions prioritizing safety and efficiency.
“The 317 is now in perfect condition, from Boca do Acre to Brasileia. We have rebuilt the entire Bagaço region, and there are no more problems there,” Araújo highlighted.
He further informed that over 60% of the 300 km between Boca do Acre and Brasileia have already been resurfaced, along with the construction of shoulders to enhance safety.
This progress reflects the commitment to overcoming a history of precariousness.
The region, often affected by logistical and climatic difficulties, is now undergoing a transformation that promises greater traffic flow.
BR-364: More Durable Pavement and Innovation
On BR-364, which connects Rio Branco to Cruzeiro do Sul, DNIT adopted a new paving method known as hydraulic macadam.
The technique, consisting of a base of compacted stones, was applied in a critical stretch between the airport and the municipality of Bujari.
“This new pavement has a higher initial cost, but reduces maintenance costs almost to zero.
Today, the journey that was complicated can be made in just five minutes,” explained the superintendent.
So far, 50 km of BR-364 have been completed with this technology, and the goal is to reach 120 km by the end of the year.
Although the cost of transporting stones from Abunã raises initial expenses, durability promises to offset this.
Furthermore, resistance to the adverse climate of the Amazon winter represents a paradigm shift for the highway, which historically faced difficulties during this season.
Weight Control: A Persistent Challenge
Another point addressed in the interview was vehicle weight inspection on the highways.
After a period of service interruption, inspections resumed in January. Araújo highlighted that overweight continues to be a significant challenge.
“Unfortunately, we still have drivers transporting up to 50 tons over the permitted limit and prefer to pay the fine rather than comply,” he stated.
Even with the new, more durable pavement, overloading compromises the lifespan of the roads and requires continuous attention from authorities.
Bridge Over the Caeté River: Engineering Against Nature
One of the most challenging ongoing projects is the bridge over the Caeté River, located in Sena Madureira.
The structure has faced displacements due to geological problems in the underground soil.
To address the issue, DNIT plans to build a cable-stayed bridge with tensioned steel cables.
“We discovered that, at a depth of 70 meters, there is a layer of mud that moves quickly, especially during the winter, when the river changes from 50 cm to 210 meters in width,” Araújo detailed.
The new bridge will be expanded from 210 to 360 meters, ensuring greater stability and safety.
This investment represents a milestone for the region, whose challenging geography demands innovative solutions.
Once completed, the bridge promises to significantly improve traffic and the connectivity between local communities.
A New Era for Highways?
With billion-dollar investments and the implementation of advanced technologies, the federal highways of Acre are moving towards becoming a model of efficiency and modernity.
However, challenges such as weight control and high transportation costs for materials remain on the authorities’ radar.
The question remains: will these efforts finally put an end to the historical problems of Acre’s roads? Or will logistical and natural challenges continue to be a barrier?
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