In addition to the construction of the bridge, a new highway system is planned in the capital city of Bahia and in the municipality of Vera Cruz. In Salvador, there will be 4 km of new access roads between the neighborhoods of Calçada and Água de Meninos. This will include tunnels and overpasses. In Vera Cruz, approximately 30 km of road will be constructed to facilitate access and transportation to other regions. In addition, an 8 km section of the existing BA-001 will be duplicated. The Salvador-Itaparica bridge will be 12.4 km long and will be the longest bridge over the water in Latin America.

They are two major Chinese groups that stand out as some of the world’s largest in the construction and infrastructure sector. They are the following: China Railway 20th Bureau Group Corporation (CRCC20) and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

The construction of this project is an intricate process. Before the physical construction can begin, several types of studies and services must be conducted. Most of these, such as bathymetry, geophysics, impact assessment on tangible and intangible cultural heritage, traffic studies, archaeological research, and mapping of traditional communities living on Itaparica Island, have already been completed. The next stage, set to begin in the early months of 2024, will be the geotechnical survey of Baía de Todos os Santos. The construction site will be established following the completion of these services, the issuance of the environmental permit for installation, and the approvals from all involved entities.

Such a magnificent structure, overlooking the second largest bay in the world, could not fail to be a tourist attraction. With this in mind, a dynamic architectural lighting project has been designed for the bridge, which will illuminate the entire structure with different colors that can be applied on commemorative dates and in specific situations. The proposal is that the bridge is not just a means of mobility. It is a postcard that carries the image of Bahia around the world.

There are two toll plazas, one in the Mar Grande area and the other near the Funil bridge, both in Vera Cruz. The first will cost R$45 and the second R$5. If the user travels from Salvador to the island (or vice versa) and returns within 24 hours, the return fare is only R$5, payable at the Mar Grande toll plaza. These rates were established, taking into account the base date of January 2019, and will be updated according to the IPCA. The rates were also established in a contract signed with the State Government, and the Concessionaire is not allowed to make any changes to the rates.

In December 2019, the Concessionaire won the tender held by the Government of Bahia. In November 2020, the Concessionaire signed a contract with the government and since then, the project has started.

Approximately 7 thousands jobs will be created during the construction.

No. The project will benefit more than 250 municipalities and approximately 10 million people in Bahia. Additionally, the construction of the bridge and the highway system from Salvador to Itaparica Island will create a shorter and faster connection between the capital and BR-101, BR-116 and BR-242 highways, facilitating travel to other regions of Bahia and other states. The project will also save about 100 km of road and reduce travel time by more than 40%, since it will no longer be necessary to travel 100 km on BR-101.

The design, permitting, and construction of the project will take five years. Following the implementation of the project, a 30-year concession will be granted through a public-private partnership (PPP) with the state government

The construction process is divided into three phases. The first phase involves a 4.6 km approach section on the island of Itaparica. The second phase includes a 6.9 km approach section in Salvador. The final phase consists of a 0.9 km cable-stayed section elevated 85 m above sea level. This design will accommodate the passage of transatlantic ships, oil tankers, ferries, and oil rigs. The project will feature two lanes in each direction, with an additional lane initially serving as a breakdown lane.

The project is slated to commence in early 2024 with a geotechnical survey in Baía de Todos os Santos. This phase involves investigating the site’s geology to determine the depth required for the bridge piers, an endeavor estimated to cost approximately R$160 million. Construction will begin once the necessary approvals are obtained, including an environmental permit from INEMA, clearance from the Navy, authorization from the Secretaria do Patrimônio da União (SPU - the Brazilian equivalent of the U.S. General Services Administration), and approvals from the City Councils of Salvador and Vera Cruz. The construction phase is scheduled to start in the second half of 2024.

Expropriations are scheduled to occur throughout the construction period. The project includes provisions for both expropriation and resettlement, and is currently under review to ascertain the precise number of expropriations required per community. The timeframe for vacating properties is typically determined through an agreement between the Concessionaire and the individual being expropriated. The company’s resettlement model prioritizes the family’s choice, offering the option of either resettlement or compensation for the expropriated property. If a family opts for resettlement, factors such as location, access to public transportation, electricity, basic sanitation, public health, and education are considered to minimize impact and ensure the provision of housing that is equal to or better than the expropriated property.

Throughout the expropriation process, all families will receive appropriate assistance. To this end, the concessionaire employs both an in-house and outsourced team with extensive expertise in social, legal, and engineering matters to mitigate all potential impacts.