MS-040 highway blocked by protesters over vehicle restrictions

Farmers and residents have blocked the MS-040 state highway between Santa Rita do Pardo and Campo Grande to protest restrictions on heavy vehicles. Protesters used tractors and large vehicles to obstruct traffic in both directions at the entrance roundabout of the municipality.

The protest is a response to maintenance work on two bridges (kilometers 205 and 223) conducted by the concessionaire Caminhos da Celulose. Since May 11, heavy vehicles including trucks and buses have been prohibited from using this stretch. Demonstrators are demanding the urgent installation of a mobile metal bridge to allow safe passage for freight.

Protesters claim the restrictions are harming local workers and causing supply shortages for local commerce. Currently, only emergency vehicles, ambulances, school transport, and local resident cars are permitted to pass. The Highway Military Police Battalion (BPMRv) is on-site attempting to negotiate the release of traffic. Caminhos da Celulose stated that the interventions are emergency measures necessary for user safety and that they are working on a solution for partial reopening.