Brazil launches $15 bn road improvement protocol for BR‑116, BR‑376 and BR‑101

The Ministry of Transport, ANTT and concessionaire Arteris signed a protocol committing roughly R$ 15 billion to expand capacity, boost safety and modernise concessions on three major highways: BR‑116/376 in Paraná and BR‑101 in Santa Catarina. The agreement outlines investments of up to R$ 10 billion for concession upgrades, additional funds for tunnel works, and a plan to convert traffic‑fine revenue into road works.

In Rio Grande do Sul, a new duplicated section of BR‑386 between Fontoura Xavier and Soledade opened on 30 June, adding a second lane, new bridges, a level crossing and 102 lighting points. The concessionaire ViaSul aims to finish 70 km of duplication on the route by the end of 2026.

The Federal Highway Police will test an AI‑enabled camera system on the BR‑116 stretch between Porto Alegre and São Leopoldo, capable of detecting up to 82 traffic violations inside vehicles. Deployment is expected within 90 days, with a trial period of 180 days.

In Paraná, restoration work on PR‑151 between Ponta Grossa and Palmeira has reached 58 % completion, featuring whitetopping, a new viaduct and drainage upgrades, with finalisation slated for July 2027. Parallel projects include the PR‑412 duplication (15.8 % complete) and other road works across the state.

At the Brazil‑Paraguay border, new routing rules for the international bridges linking Foz do Iguaçu with Presidente Franco take effect on 3 August, shifting most truck and urban‑bus traffic to the Ponte da Integração to alleviate congestion on the Ponte da Amizade. The changes follow a Mercosur protocol signed at the 68th summit in Assunção that also eases small‑cargo transport and recognises new national identity documents.