Paranaguá: Work begins that promises to expand drainage

Via Araucária projects include the construction of marginal roads and the duplication of highways by 2027, expanding road capacity and transportation to the Port.

Work on expanding the Southern Contour of Curitiba (BR-376) and duplicating the PR-423, between Araucária and Campo Largo, in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (RMC), officially began on Friday (19). The projects are part of Lot 1 of the new highway concession program in Paraná, under the responsibility of the concessionaire Via Araucária and regulated by the National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT).

The launch was attended by Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior (PSD), Lieutenant Governor Darci Piana, state secretaries, regional mayors, state and federal representatives, ANTT representatives, and leaders from the manufacturing sector. The event marked the beginning of a series of projects aimed at improving urban mobility, expanding logistics capacity, reducing the risk of accidents, and strengthening the flow of cargo from the Metropolitan Region of Rio Grande do Norte to the Port of Paranaguá and the Santa Catarina coast.

On the Southern Bypass, approximately 6 kilometers of marginal roads will initially be implemented, connecting existing sections. The marginal roads will have two lanes of traffic, a sidewalk, a bike path, and a new bridge over the Barigui River. The project also includes access and return devices at different levels, a median, a shoulder, and lighting in several sections. This phase is scheduled for completion by 2027, the third year of the concession.

The PR-423 widening will cover 26 kilometers between kilometers 9 and 35 of the Engenheiro Adolar Schultze highway, connecting BR-476 in Araucária to BR-277 and BR-376 in Campo Largo. The work includes the construction of two lanes in each direction, a shoulder, a median, access and turnaround devices, and new lighting at several points. The widening, which is expected to be completed by February 2027, is considered strategic for improving traffic flow and reducing accidents, while also absorbing some of the traffic from the Southern Bypass.

Governor Ratinho Junior (PSD) stated that the interventions are part of the state's strategy to modernize infrastructure and expand the region's logistical capacity. "In just one year of the concession, we already have important projects underway, which demonstrates that the adopted model has been successful. On the Southern Bypass, we will widen the highways to four lanes in each direction, significantly increasing cargo capacity, improving safety, and improving access for the population. At the same time, the widening of PR-423 creates a new logistical hub, essential for relieving urban traffic in Curitiba," he said.

He also highlighted the impact of the projects on the state's economy. "These projects mean more jobs and more development. Today, Paraná is the state with the most construction projects in Brazil, and this is a source of pride because it generates modernization, safety, and quality of life for families in Paraná and, in this particular case, in Curitiba and the Metropolitan Region," he added.

Via Araucária CEO Sérgio Santillán stated that the schedule is on track. "Today, we officially began construction on the Contorno Sul highway and the PR-423 highway widening. We overcame the most challenging stage, obtaining environmental permits, and now we're on schedule, with deliveries expected by February 2027," he stated.