Metropolitan Arch of Rio de Janeiro: the Highway that Didn't Work

Insecurity and corruption tarnish the history of a project that promised to solve Rio de Janeiro's mobility and logistics issues

Marcello Guidotti, CEO of EcoRodovias

By: SiiLA News

07/11/2024

Beltways are essential for the development of a major metropolis, especially for logistics outflow. The Rodoanel in São Paulo is a good example of this. However, the same cannot be said for the Arco Metropolitano (Metropolitan Arch) in Rio de Janeiro.

Ten years ago, the project was inaugurated with promises to develop the northern region of Rio de Janeiro and relieve traffic on the Dutra highway and Avenida Brasil. However, these promises were not fulfilled. Although the road was delivered, constant issues with lighting and security have plagued the region.

Officially named BR 493/RJ – Duque de Caxias – Itaguaí (Port), the road is a federal highway managed by EcoRioMinas since 2022. Complaints have existed since even before its inauguration in July 2014. The construction was targeted by Operation Lava Jato, in which former governor Luiz Fernando Pezão was arrested in 2018, along with the owner of the company responsible for installing light poles, for inflating the prices of the installed equipment.

Besides the overpricing, it was found at the time that there had been no prior study of the terrain for the installation of the poles, leading to a loss of R$22 million for the installation of additional fixing stakes.

Now in 2024, the Arco Metropolitano still faces the same problems. Constant theft of power cables directly impacts road lighting and security.

EcoRioMinas informed REsource that they are working on a study for a new lighting project and the installation of monitoring and communication devices.

"The concessionaire is working on studies for a new lighting project for the Arco Metropolitano, which will be implemented within the contractually stipulated timeframe, by the end of the fifth year of the concession. The installation of monitoring cameras and wireless communication, 8 new bus stops, 8 new accesses, and 3 wildlife crossings is also planned," they stated.

A technical note from Firjan shows that in 2023, the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro recorded 3,225 cargo theft cases, estimated at a loss of around R$283 million. The Arco Metropolitano is included among the affected regions.

What is Being Done?

Contacted by REsource, the Ministry of Transport stated that the concessionaire has implemented “numerous improvements, including the restoration of horizontal (painting) and vertical (sign replacement) road signs, pavement recovery, and cleaning of walkways, bridges, and viaducts.”

Additionally, the Ministry reported that by 2025, there are plans to install monitoring cameras and wireless communication. The new lighting system for the entire Arco Metropolitano is expected to be implemented by the fifth year of the concession, i.e., by September 2027.

Aligning with the Ministry of Transport, EcoRioMinas claimed to have already revitalized and installed metal guardrails, in addition to improving drainage points, bridges, walkways, and viaducts.

“Since EcoRioMinas took over the concession in 2022, more than 49 km of pavement has been revitalized, over 10 km of metal guardrails have been installed, and more than 46 million m² of area has been cleared. The horizontal signage (road painting) has been revitalized along the entire stretch and another 75 km have been implemented. Additionally, 1,200 drainage points and 128 bridges, walkways, and viaducts have been revitalized,” they stated in a note.

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