Brazil Transport Minister advances major highway projects

Brazilian Minister of Transport George Santoro is overseeing several major infrastructure projects across the Northeast and Amazon regions. In Bahia, the minister is delivering 10 kilometers of duplicated highway on the BR-116 between Serrinha and Santa Bárbara, part of a R$ 618.9 million contract. Additionally, the ministry is launching the second stage of the Juazeiro urban crossing project and delivering the 11.3-kilometer urban crossing in Petrolina, Pernambuco.

In the Amazon region, Minister Santoro inspected works on the BR-319 highway in Humaitá, Amazonas. This section of the road, which connects Manaus to Porto Velho, has received R$ 362 million in investment through the Novo PAC program. While 50 kilometers are already paved, the minister has committed to reaching 150 kilometers of paving in upcoming stages. The project aims to improve connectivity and economic flow, though it remains a subject of environmental debate regarding its impact on the Amazon rainforest.