Images captured using drones on bridges built in concrete by the Government of Mato Grosso highlight the change in the landscapes of state highways. The contrast is greater in those built next to the old wooden bridges, which were damaged, with loose boards, posing a danger to those traveling on these roads.
The State Secretariat for Infrastructure (Sinfra) completed the construction of 194 concrete bridges by December 2023, which replaced wooden bridges or ferry crossings.
One of these works is the bridge over the Rio do Sangue, on MT-242, between Brasnorte and Juara, valued at R$13 million. At 214 meters long, the new structure replaced the second largest wooden bridge in the State, which had no lateral protection and only allowed one vehicle to pass at a time, as well as holes.
The same happened with the bridge over the Rio dos Peixes, on MT-338, in Juara, 210 meters long and an investment of R$12.7 million by Sinfra. The image of the wooden structure, which remains nearby, highlights the evolution in the region. The bridge will facilitate access to the Paranorte District, located approximately 130 kilometers from Juara.
In Paranatinga, a partnership between the Government of Mato Grosso and the municipal government resulted in the replacement of five concrete bridges, including the one over the Paranatinga River on MT-130. Furthermore, the highway was equipped with new bridges over the Corgão, Jatobá, Ronuro and Paranatinga rivers, strengthening local infrastructure.
The Government of Mato Grosso also delivered the bridge over the Arinos River, on MT-220, in Porto dos Gaúchos, 305 meters long. One of the 10 largest concrete bridges in the State, it replaced a wooden bridge built in the 90s, marking a significant advance for the region.
End of ferry crossings
Some concrete bridges brought an end to river crossings that previously could only be made by ferry, as is the case of Rio das Mortes, MT-326, between Nova Nazaré and Cocalinho. The Government of the state of Mato Grosso invested R$56.7 million in this work, which is 483 meters long and became the largest concrete bridge ever built in the State.
The region, known for its large limestone production, saw a significant logistical improvement, and, at certain periods, truck drivers faced queues of up to two days to cross the river. Limestone is used in agricultural production to improve soil quality.
Another bridge that is being built in a place where, currently, it is necessary to use a ferry to cross is the one over the Teles Pires River on MT-419, between the municipalities of Carlinda and Novo Mundo. With 693 meters, this R$48.3 million project should be completed this year.
