Maranhão: Marcelino Machado Bridge imploded on BR-135

The Marcelino Machado Bridge, located over the Estreito dos Mosquitos on the BR-135 highway in Maranhão, was imploded on Sunday, November 1. The demolition, coordinated by the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), was necessary due to severe structural issues, including cracks, oxidation, and concrete displacement in the 459-meter structure originally built in 1960.

The operation required a total blockade of the highway between 10:00 and 16:00 at kilometer 22 (near São Luís) and kilometer 40 (in Bacabeira). To ensure public safety, the Civil Defense issued emergency alerts via SMS and established a 350-meter isolation radius, which involved the preventive relocation of 103 families living near the site.

Security forces, including the Military Firefighters, Military Police, and Civil Police, monitored the area to manage risks. The demolition was timed with high tide to help cushion the impact of debris on the seabed. The Caema sanitation company confirmed that the implosion did not affect the water supply for São Luís, as pumping systems remained operational throughout the procedure.

A reconstruction project, managed by the Consórcio Ponte Estreito Maranhão, has been authorized with an estimated investment of R$ 176.7 million. The new structure is designed to support up to 45 tons, upgrading the capacity from the previous 24-ton limit. Completion of the new bridge is expected by 2027.