Muçum and Encantado connected by emergency boat service

emergency boat crossing Rio Guaporé bridge structural damage Vale do Taquari ERS-129

The Rio Grande do Sul government has launched an emergency pedestrian boat service across the Guaporé River to connect the municipalities of Muçum and Encantado in the Vale do Taquari region. This measure follows the closure of a bridge on the ERS-129 highway due to structural damage to one of its pillars caused by recent heavy rainfall.

Due to rising river levels and unstable weather forecasts, authorities opted for a smaller, lighter vessel than originally planned. The boat has a capacity of four passengers and one crew member per trip. The service is authorized by the Brazilian Navy and is restricted to daylight hours, operating from 7:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 18:30, subject to hydrological and meteorological conditions.

Repairs to the damaged bridge pillar have already commenced through a contract with the Empresa Gaúcha de Rodovias (EGR). Officials estimate that pedestrian and light vehicle traffic may resume within 30 days, while full access for all vehicles is expected within 45 days, though these timelines remain dependent on weather conditions.