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The state is investing more than R$150 million in concrete for highways in PRC-280. The project uses the whitetopping technique for greater durability, safety and resistance to heavy traffic.
Paraná's highways are going through a amazing transformation! An investment of more than R $ million 150 marks the beginning of a new era on the state's roads, now with the use of concrete.
This material, widely used in the United States, brings a bold promise: last twice as long as traditional asphalt.
The government of Paraná opted for an innovative and long-lasting approach, investing in a more expensive but more resistant paving technique to deal with the wear and tear caused by heavy traffic and increase road safety.
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According to the Paraná Highway Department (DER/PR), this change on the PRC-280 not only represents an evolution in local infrastructure, but can also serve as an example for the whole of Brazil.
Concrete on PRC-280: Million-dollar project progresses rapidly
The PRC-280 highway, between Palmas and Cleveland, in the Southwest of Paraná, is one of the first in Brazil to adopt concrete as the main paving material, in a project with an estimated value of R $ million 157,8.
According to DER/PR, responsible for inspection, the work reached 83,81% completion in October and is nearing completion, scheduled for the end of this month.
The technique used is the whitetopping, which involves using old asphalt as a base for new Portland concrete, ensuring stronger adhesion and a reinforced structure to support heavy loads.
This project covers 45 kilometers of highway, including third lanes and shoulders, significantly increasing the safety and capacity of the road.
According to the plan, after the paving is completed, additional drainage, signage and grass planting services will be carried out, scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of the following year.
Construction and safety: how concrete changes the road landscape
The works on PRC-280 stand out not only for the use of concrete, but also for the improvement in safety devices.
The project foresees the installation of triangular concrete gutters for efficient drainage, in addition to new plates, reflective studs and metal guardrails.
To ensure traffic flow, DER implemented a “stop-and-go” system, allowing the highway to operate 24 hours a day, albeit with a reduced lane.
This change could prove revolutionary: concrete is not only stronger and more economical in the long run, it is also safer against skidding and has better rainwater drainage, an advantage for places with heavy rainfall.
Expansion to Mariópolis: new phase in 2024
PRC-280 is preparing for a new phase, expanding concrete restoration to the stretch between Cleveland and White Duck, totaling 37,94 kilometers.
The investment, this time, will be R $ million 180,9, with concreting scheduled to begin in January.
As a first step, the shoulders in the Mariópolis region are already being recycled in preparation for the installation of rigid pavement.
According to DER/PR, this will be the third project of whitetopping in the region, reinforcing the strategy of using concrete in areas with intense truck traffic, a frequent reality on the PRC-280, which connects the Southwest with the South of Paraná.
This choice is in line with a trend observed internationally, where concrete is preferred on highways that suffer from a heavy flow of freight vehicles, as the material is more resistant to wear and deformation.
Why concrete could be the future of roads?
The adoption of concrete represents a significant advance in Brazilian road infrastructure.
This material, in addition to being more durable, offers a useful life of about 20 years – twice as much as regular asphalt –, in addition to requiring less maintenance, reducing costs for the state and taxpayers.
In countries like the United States, concrete is widely used on high-traffic roads due to its strength, safety and long-term cost-effectiveness.
With this change, Paraná positions itself as a pioneer in Brazil in bringing this technology to your highways, potentially encouraging other regions to invest in more lasting and sustainable solutions for their roads.
The impact on the future of Brazilian roads
The investments made by the Paraná government are a clear sign that the highways can be modernized and adapted to international standards of durability and safety.
The PRC-280 thus becomes a laboratory for Brazil, where authorities can observe the results and assess the feasibility of expanding the use of concrete to other highways, especially in regions with heavy traffic.
The rapid progress of the works and the successful execution to date show that this investment can bring long-term benefits, ensuring safer and better-maintained roads for drivers and transporters.
It remains to be seen whether other states will follow Paraná's example. and will adopt this solution that promises to change the face of Brazilian roads.
And you, do you believe that concrete can really be the future of Brazilian highways?
How brilliant! It's about time! But good economic supervision would also be nice!