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With a Cost Over R$ 1 Billion, the Submerged Tunnel Will Bring Innovation to Brazil. The Project Includes Lanes for Public Transport, Pedestrians, and Cyclists. With Economic and Environmental Impacts, the Project Is Part of a Public-Private Partnership and Will Have Tolls of Up to R$ 10. The Governor Has Already Signed the Protocol; Conclusion Is Awaited.
The submerged tunnel designed to revolutionize transportation and transform connectivity between two cities is expected to provide agility and safety for those crossing the Itajaí-Açu River daily.
The major highlight is the investment of over 1 billion reais in a tunnel that will run beneath the riverbed, a technological work unprecedented in the country aimed at facilitating the lives of thousands of people.
According to the G1 portal, 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 lanes for buses and space for pedestrians and cyclists, all in a modern and safe environment.
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According to data released by the state government and based on recent conceptual images, the tunnel will be part of the Promobis (Urban Mobility Program of the Itajaí-Açu River Mouth), 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 feature modern-designed entrances on each bank and will have three traffic lanes in each direction.
One of the lanes has been exclusively planned for 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 aimed at promoting safety and inclusion along the route.
This is an important innovation, especially for the 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 a public-private partnership.
The concessionaire, responsible for the construction and operation of the tunnel, will cover part of the initial investment and will collect tolls as compensation.
According to preliminary information, the toll charged to users is expected to vary between R$ 4.50 and R$ 10, depending on the type of vehicle.
The local municipalities will also contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of the tunnel, consolidating an alliance between the public and private sectors to make the crossing more efficient and accessible.
Construction and Location: A Submerged Project at 23 Meters
The tunnel will be situated approximately 23 meters deep, running directly beneath the shipping channel of the Itajaí-Açu River, ensuring that the region’s port operations continue uninterrupted.
To make the project viable, construction will utilize a modular methodology, where prefabricated sections will be transported and assembled directly at the riverbed.
These sections will be sealed underwater to ensure maximum structural safety, essential for supporting the daily traffic of vehicles and the flow of pedestrians and cyclists.
With this technique, the risk of leakage is minimized, providing rapid and safe construction for the region.
Impact on Mobility and the Regional Economy
Located at the River Mouth, the tunnel promises to significantly improve mobility between Itajaí and Navegantes.
In addition to favoring the connection between the two cities, the modern infrastructure of the tunnel is expected to directly impact the regional economy.
According to expert estimates, with reduced travel time and increased safety in 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 real estate.
The letter of intent, which foresees state support for the project, was signed by Governor Jorginho Mello (PL) this Tuesday (29).
This state support has been essential in ensuring the viability of the tunnel, which is already considered a landmark for the infrastructure of Santa Catarina.
The expectation now is that the works will begin soon and that the completion will occur within the stipulated timeframe, providing residents with renewed and modern access.
Usage Possibilities and Sustainability with the Tunnel
One of the distinguishing features of this project is the potential for integration with sustainable urban mobility systems.
With the BRT and specific areas for cyclists and pedestrians, the project is expected to encourage the use of alternative transport and reduce dependence on individual vehicles.
This change brings benefits for the environment, helping to reduce emissions of polluting gases, a gain that should reflect on air quality and the health of the local population.
The deadline for completion has yet to be announced, but the signing of the letter of intent already ensures a concrete commitment between the state and the municipalities to move the project forward.
And you, what do you think about the idea of a submerged tunnel to facilitate life at the Itajaí-Açu River Mouth? Could this project really transform mobility and stimulate regional development? Share your opinion in the comments!
INACEITAVEL INVESTIR 340 MILHOES DE DOLARES DE DINHEIRO PUBLICO DA UNIAO EM PARCERIA COM O ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA PARA CONSTRUIR TUNEL SUBMERSO COM A FINALIDADE DE ECONOMIZAR 10 MINUTOS DE TRAVESSIA DE BALSA ENTRE NAVEGANTES E ITAJAI.
MONICA SEIXAS
RIO DE JANEIRO – RJ
Falta apenas a justiça determinar que essa obra é particular, não tem dinheiro público. Coloquem uma placa “obra particular”… já que nós brasileiros não pagamos impostos.
Governo fazer obra não existe pois precisamos ter Empresa construtora e não funcionário público sem conhecimento e sem equipamentos por isso gera custos que precisa pagar pedágio para manutenção dela nada cai do ceu