State makes historic leap in infrastructure with Brazil's first underwater tunnel. Valued at R$1 billion, the project promises to transform the connection between two cities, reducing journeys and improving mobility.
Imagine a project capable of transforming not only the urban mobility of a region, but also the economic and logistical potential of an entire state.
This is the proposal for Brazil's first underwater tunnel, valued at more than R$1 billion.
The construction promises to revolutionize transportation on the northern coast of Santa Catarina, connecting Itajaí and Navegantes with an infrastructure never seen before in the country.
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What will the tunnel be like?
The underwater tunnel will be 548 meters long and will be built 29 meters deep in the bed of the Itajaí-Açu River, which separates the cities of Itajaí and Navegantes.
It will have exclusive lanes for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, allowing a much more efficient and sustainable connection between the two municipalities, which together have 347 thousand inhabitants.
Today, crossings between cities are carried out by ferry, a slow method that limits the fluidity of transport in the region.
With the tunnel, the distance will be reduced to a few meters, eliminating the need to travel the current 20 kilometers along BR-101.
According to João Luiz Demantova, technical manager of the Foz do Rio Itajaí Integrated Mobility Project (Promobis), “this is the biggest obstacle to mobility in our region.
We have the airport and port of Navegantes on one side of the river and, on the other, the port of Itajaí and tourist cities such as Balneário Camboriú, Itapema and Bombinhas.”
Why not a bridge?
The initial idea was to build a bridge to connect the cities.
However, technical studies have shown that the structure would need to be at least 65 meters high so as not to interfere with the traffic of ships using the port of Itajaí, one of the most important in Brazil.
Other options, such as movable bridges, were also analyzed, but the costs would be almost equivalent to those of a tunnel, with the disadvantage of causing greater environmental and visual impact.
According to Demantova, “the main regions of the world with ports opt for tunnels so as not to hinder the growth of port activity”.
The chosen model will be the submerged type, with pre-molded parts that will be anchored in the riverbed. This method guarantees a depth of 29 meters, allowing a free draft of 13 meters for navigation.
Investment and deadlines
The total cost of the project is estimated at US$ 188 million, or approximately R$ 1,14 billion at the current exchange rate.
Of this amount, only a small portion will be financed by the government – US$ 8 million (R$ 48,7 million) – while the remainder will be paid for by the private sector.
After the completion of the ongoing environmental and technical studies, a public notice will be opened to define the company responsible for the construction and operation of the tunnel.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2029. The company that wins the bid will be able to operate the stretch for 35 years, charging fees that have already been estimated at R$4,50 for motorcycles and R$10 for cars. The prices for trucks are still under analysis.
Environmental and social impacts
Although the project appears promising, detailed analyses will be carried out throughout 2025 to assess the environmental impacts of the work.
The tunnel entrances and exits are planned for the neighborhoods of Imaruí, in Itajaí, and São Domingos, in Navegantes. However, these locations may be changed if studies indicate more viable options.
One of the main advantages highlighted by the creators is that the tunnel will cause less environmental, visual and sound impacts compared to a bridge.
Furthermore, the work promises to be faster and less invasive, ensuring the preservation of the riverbed and the areas around it.
Other Promobis initiatives
The underwater tunnel is part of the Integrated Mobility Project of the Itajaí River Mouth (Promobis), which encompasses a series of initiatives aimed at improving mobility and infrastructure in the region. Among them are:
- A 100% electric regional public transport system (BRT);
- Implementation of urban mobility corridors;
- Climate resilience works in cities such as Balneário Camboriú.
The total investment in all these actions could reach R$2 billion, with completion scheduled for 2032.
Part of the resources will be financed by the World Bank, still in the contracting phase, in addition to contributions from state and municipal governments.
Tunnel is a landmark for Brazil
In addition to the tunnel in Santa Catarina, there is another similar project planned to connect Santos and Guaruja, on the coast of São Paulo.
However, the works have not yet started, which places the state of Santa Catarina at the forefront of this type of infrastructure in the country.
The tunnel promises not only to improve urban mobility, but also to boost tourism and commerce in the region, consolidating Itajaí and Navegantes as strategic hubs on the national scene.
And you, what do you think of this innovation?
Will the underwater tunnel really transform transportation in Brazil? Leave your opinion in the comments and join the debate about the future of mobility in the country!
There are so many other priorities, this government wants to launder billions and continue only in political promotion and like his professor BOSSONARO.
Backward mind huh.
Much better than spending on expensive trips and wines…