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30,089 Km Work Between Soledade and Gurjão Reaches 64% Completion, Receives Investment of R$ 37.6 Million and Already Reduces Travel Time, Improves Rural Logistics and Boosts Land Appreciation in the Paraíba Cariri
The implementation and paving of PB-176 Highway, connecting Soledade to Gurjão in the Paraíba Cariri, has reached 64% completion, covers 30,089 km in length and receives an investment of R$ 37,652,734.56, altering mobility, travel time, and regional economic dynamics.
Paving Already Changes Movements and Daily Life of Local Population
Residents report significant changes following the arrival of paving in much of the stretch. Maria das Graças Marinho Santos recalls that, in 1992, the road was unpaved, with dust, mud, and school buses frequently getting stuck.
She states that the new scenario has facilitated access and boosted land value along the highway. According to Maria das Graças, there is now interest in purchasing lots and building houses, a direct reflection of the improvement in road infrastructure.
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Technical Execution Reaches 64% and Enters Final Phases
The project manager, engineer Gustavo Lins Fialho, reports that 64% of the work has already been completed. Remaining tasks include specific stages of earthworks, sub-base layer, base layer, and double surface treatment with diluted binder.
According to the engineer, these final tasks concentrate on small specific stretches. The official forecast is that the entire highway will be completed by May next year, according to the current schedule.
Reduction of Travel Time and Access to Regional Events
Even with the lack of paint on the delimiting lines, residents highlight immediate gains. Rafaela Marinho, from Soledade, reports that she previously had difficulty reaching the traditional Goat Festival in Gurjão due to the poor road.
She explains that the route via PB-176 is about 30 km and can now be traveled in less than 40 minutes on the paved road, eliminating the dirt road and significantly reducing travel time.
Economic Impacts Affect Agriculture, Livestock, and Commerce
The economy of Soledade is based on agriculture, livestock, commerce, and tourism. André Costa Martins states that the old road harmed milk producers, who had to transport 50 or 100 liters under adverse conditions.
According to André, the paving reduces costs for fuel, maintenance, and production losses. He highlights that neighbors are already subdividing land and building properties, attracting residents due to practicality and improved regional access.
The work is being carried out by the State Government through the Paraíba Department of Highways, with services performed by ECAM – Earthworks and Pavement Ltda, using state funds.
