Brazil allocates R$15 bn for highway repairs as BR‑163 duplication advances

Transport Minister George Santoro announced the federal government will invest about R$15 billion in road recovery in 2026, tripling the annual maintenance budget from roughly R$3 billion to R$15 billion. He highlighted improvements in bridge maintenance and progress on the BR‑158 corridor in Mato Grosso, noting that the road network’s condition rose from 52% to 75% rated as good or excellent.

In parallel, the duplication of the BR‑163 highway in Mato Grosso is proceeding on eight work fronts, covering 96 km and involving 39 teams. The project includes new bridges, pedestrian overpasses, marginal roads and safety features, with a target to finish by the end of 2026. The governor‑appointed operator Nova Rota do Oeste expects the work to boost cargo transport capacity and road safety.

Both initiatives are part of a broader push to modernise Brazil’s transport logistics, aiming to support agricultural exports and reduce urban traffic conflicts.