English 
Spanish 
4 min read
23 comments
Construction of an underwater tunnel connecting two cities should bring agility and safety to thousands of people. With a cost of over 1 billion, the project includes exclusive lanes for public transport and areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
Submerged tunnel designed for revolutionize transportation and transform connectivity between two cities The busy road should provide agility and safety for those who cross the Itajaí-Açu River daily.
The big news is the investment of more than 1 billion reais in a tunnel that will cross the bottom of the river, an unprecedented technological project in the country that aims to make life easier for thousands of people.
This innovative project is already taking shape and promises more than just a quick passage between Itajaí and Navegantes; it will bring unprecedented infrastructure, with exclusive bus lanes and space for pedestrians and cyclists, all in a modern and safe environment.
- Federal government approves and pre-salt oil will be auctioned! New Chinese dominance?
- Governor announces R$25 MILLION for construction of new marginal roads on important Brazilian highway (BR)
- MORE TAXES! The government wants to increase taxes by 300% and eating out will become more expensive! Restaurant owners are already fearing the worst
- Did you know? The future of cars is being decided right now in Brazil
According to data released by the Santa Catarina government and recent conceptual images, the tunnel will be part of the Promobis (Urban Mobility Program of Foz do Itajaí-Açu), focused on renewing traffic and reducing travel time for those who use the river crossing daily.
Infrastructure and accessibility: a unique project in the country
In total, the structure will have modern design entrances on each side and will have three lanes of traffic in each direction.
One of the tracks was planned exclusively for the BRT (bus rapid transit), allowing public transport passengers to have a continuous and fast flow.
Pedestrians and cyclists have also been included, with a separate area that seeks to promote safety and inclusion along the route.
This is an important innovation, especially for thousands of workers and students who make the journey daily and face difficulties in crossing.
With an estimated cost of 340 million dollars, the project will be carried out in public-private partnership.
The concessionaire, responsible for the construction and operation of the tunnel, will cover part of the initial investment and will receive toll collection in return.
According to preliminary information, the fare charged to users should vary between R$4,50 and R$10, depending on the type of vehicle.
Local governments will also contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the tunnel, consolidating an alliance between the public and private sectors to make the crossing more efficient and accessible.
Construction and location: a work submerged 23 meters
The tunnel will be located at a depth of approximately 23 meters, passing directly under the navigation channel of the Itajaí-Açu River, ensuring that port activity in the region continues without interruptions.
To make the project viable, construction will use a modular methodology, where prefabricated sections will be transported and assembled directly on the riverbed.
These sections will be sealed underwater to ensure maximum structural safety, essential to support daily vehicle traffic and the flow of pedestrians and cyclists.
With this technique, the risk of leakage is minimized, offering quick and safe construction for the region.
Impact on mobility and the regional economy
Located in Barra do Rio, the tunnel promises to significantly improve mobility between Itajaí and Navegantes.
In addition to facilitating connections between the two cities, the tunnel’s modern infrastructure is expected to have a direct impact on the regional economy.
According to experts' estimates, with reduced travel time and greater safety when crossing, more people will feel encouraged to invest in the region.
This increase in the flow of workers and tourists can stimulate sectors such as local commerce, services and the real estate sector.
The protocol of intentions, which provides for the State's support for the project, was signed by the governor Jorginho Mello (PL) this Tuesday (29).
This state support has been essential to guarantee the viability of the tunnel, which is already considered a milestone for Santa Catarina's infrastructure.
The expectation now is that the works will begin soon and that they will be completed within the stipulated deadline, providing residents with renewed and modern access.
Possibilities of use and sustainability
One of the distinguishing features of this project is the possibility of integration with sustainable urban mobility systems.
With the BRT and specific areas for cyclists and pedestrians, the project should encourage the use of alternative transport and reduce dependence on individual vehicles.
This change brings benefits to the environment, helping to reduce pollutant gas emissions, a gain that should be reflected in air quality and the health of the local population.
The estimated completion date has not yet been announced, but the signing of the protocol of intentions already guarantees a concrete commitment between the State and the city councils to move the project forward.
And you, what do you think of the idea of an underwater tunnel to make life easier in Foz do Itajaí-Açu? Can this project really transform mobility and stimulate regional development? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Just because it has tolls makes me look for an alternative route, even if it is in poor condition. A country with continental dimensions where it is becoming impossible to visit even neighboring cities due to the incompetence of politicians. Take the example of São Paulo, where the fiasco governor even sold the water company that had a surplus of more than 3 billion, but he continues to implement tolls every week and has now started to privatize even schools. Brazil will definitely never bear fruit.
He spoke little and said nothing. If he knew the region, he would understand how important this work will be.
The public sector contributes with tax money... and what money will the private sector contribute? Since it is still a partnership, it shouldn't cost so much, since the private sector will contribute... but after all, the private sector will only contribute after the work is finished, to mine it, right?
deceive me that I like
Another project to plunder public coffers and give it away to a private company owned by some politician. Charging tolls at these prices is a robbery. Drivers in São Paulo are robbed at all private toll booths, including on the federal highway; except for the Dutra toll, the price is less expensive.
If a simple bridge renovation in Floripa takes 35 years, and a simple 15 km bypass takes 20 years, a tunnel like this should take 350 years to be built. Santa Catarina is not a model for quick construction…