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For Over a Decade, a Overpass Nicknamed the “World’s Largest Pool Table” Remains Unfinished on the Highway. Designed to Revolutionize Traffic in the Region, the Project Has Become a Symbol of Abandonment.
On the banks of the highway leading to the beaches of São Francisco do Sul, an imposing structure catches the attention of drivers and locals.
Constructed over a decade ago, it remains unfinished, raising questions about its purpose and the reason for its halt.
After all, how did a project planned to improve regional logistics turn into a symbol of abandonment?
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Popularly known as the “world’s largest pool table”, the overpass on SC-415, near the junction with BR-280, was designed to facilitate road traffic on Duque de Caxias street.
According to an article from the NSC Total portal, the structure would allow vehicles to transit over it, while cargo trains bound for the Port of São Francisco do Sul would pass underneath, integrating the future railway bypass in the region.
However, work was halted in 2011 for project revision and has remained stagnant since then.
Project History
Initiated in 2006, the construction of the railway bypass of São Francisco do Sul aimed to divert railway traffic from the urban perimeter, reducing the disruptions caused by trains passing through the city center.
However, technical problems, such as the need for stabilization of embankments on soft soils, led to the suspension of work in 2011.
Since then, the structure of the overpass remains unfinished, becoming a landmark of interrupted public works.
Attempts to Resume
In March 2023, the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) announced the acquisition of the environmental license for the railway bypass of São Francisco do Sul, bringing the possibility of resuming work closer.
The plan included launching a new bidding process by May of that year, with expectations for work to begin in 2024 and conclude in 2027.
The estimated budget for the project was R$ 225 million, with R$ 54 million allocated in the federal budget for 2023.
In August 2023, DNIT published a call for proposals, adopting the semi-integrated contracting regime as per the new Bidding Law.
In this model, the contracted company is responsible for the executive project and the execution of the work.
Proposals were opened in October 2023, maintaining the expected start of work in 2024 and conclusion in 2027.
Expected Impacts
The completion of the railway bypass of São Francisco do Sul, extending approximately 9 kilometers, promises significant benefits for the region.
Besides removing railway traffic from the urban center, the project should expedite the flow of products for export and import through the Port of São Francisco do Sul.
Currently, about 3.5 million tons of grain arrive annually at the port via railway, and the new structure will facilitate this flow, reducing noise, pollution, and accident risks in the urban area.
Current Situation of the ‘Pool Table’
As of January 2025, there is no updated information regarding the progress of the railway bypass construction in São Francisco do Sul.
The initial forecast was for work to resume in 2024, with completion in 2027.
However, delays in infrastructure projects are common in Brazil, and the local population continues to await the completion of the project, which remains an unfinished monument in the region’s landscape.
For experts, the overpass nicknamed the “world’s largest pool table” is an emblematic example of the challenges faced in public works in Brazil. Technical problems, bureaucracy, and lack of resources contribute to the suspension of projects that could bring significant improvements to the population.
The expectation is that, with the resumption of the railway bypass construction in São Francisco do Sul, the region can finally enjoy the benefits planned nearly two decades ago.
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