Rio Grande do Sul: highway reconstruction, upgrades to cost BRL 10 bi

The government of Rio Grande do Sul estimates it will need at least BRL 3 billion to repair the damage caused by last month's storms to state roads and bridges. Governor Eduardo Leite does not rule out the possibility of allocating up to BRL 10 billion to adapt infrastructure to ongoing climate change.

According to Governor Leite, upgrading the infrastructure to make it more resilient is a way to prevent future destruction by heavy rains and landslides. “Regarding the state highways affected by climate events, we have two scenarios. If we work [only] on repairing the damaged sections to make them passable again, we estimate the [necessary] investment at around BRL 3 billion to restore them to their previous condition with some improvements,” the governor said while detailing the state road reconstruction plan on Monday (Jun. 3).

“On the other hand, if we plan the reconstruction with resilience in mind, adapting to climate change, making [necessary] interventions, and reinforcing the structures to prevent future issues, the costs could reach BRL 10 billion,” Leite added. “We will strive to make every possible investment. While we cannot guarantee that all will be completed, we certainly expect to invest at least BRL 3 billion.”

During the announcement, Governor Leite and the State Secretary for Logistics and Transportation, Juvir Costella, reported that there are still 95 points blocked to vehicle traffic in the state. Of these, 65 are the responsibility of the state and 30 are federal. Among the blocked state highways and bridges, at least 40 have suffered what the state government classifies as “major impacts,” and the repair of 30 of them is considered a “priority.”