• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
The Bioceanic Bridge, which will connect Carmelo Peralta (Paraguay) with Puerto Murtinho (Brazil), is nearing completion with the lowering of the lower launching girders used to construct the central section over the Paraguay River. Each structure weighs approximately 47 tons and is being removed from a height of nearly 30 meters.
"The procedure is carried out with four hydraulic teams, each with a 200-ton capacity, located at the four corners of each girder, allowing for synchronized control of the descent at an approximate speed of three meters per hour," reported the Ministry of Public Works and Communications of Paraguay (MOPC).
"A barge with a 200-ton capacity receives the structure beneath the bridge and remains stable against the current with the support of a push boat equipped with two 340 HP engines," it added.
Regarding the operation, the Paraguayan ministry detailed that "once the girder is supported on the barge, the suspension elements are released, and its transfer to port for unloading begins."
"Each maneuver requires approximately 24 hours of work at a minimum, from the descent of the structure until its arrival at its destination, with planning that considers the safety of the tasks and the continuity of navigation," it added.
Due to the complexity of the procedure, it was necessary to coordinate actions in advance with the authorities of Paraguay and Brazil due to the temporary interruption of river traffic.
"In Paraguay, the competent bodies permanently monitored the preparation and execution of the work, while companies, agencies, and associations linked to river transport were informed about the temporary closure of the channel," the MOPC pointed out.
"Personnel from the maritime authorities of both countries also accompanied the different stages of the maneuver, contributing to the orderly development of a task that requires synchronization between land, river, and technical teams," it added.
The removal of the girders marks the completion of one of the main phases of the cable-stayed section and brings the work closer to its completion. The structure will be 1,294 meters long, with a 632-meter cable-stayed section and a 350-meter main span. Its design will preserve the navigability of the Paraguay River and allow for the safe passage of large vessels.
The investment amounts to USD 103 million, with funds from the Paraguayan side of Itaipu Binacional. The MOPC acts as the executing agency, while the work is being carried out by the Binational Consortium PYBRA, composed of Tecnoedil S.A., Paulitec Construções, and Construtora Cidade Ltda., under the supervision of the Prointec Consortium.
"As part of the Bioceanic Road Corridor, the bridge will connect Brazilian Atlantic ports with Chilean Pacific terminals, via a route that will cross Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Chile," specified the MOPC.
"For Paraguay, this connection represents an opportunity to strengthen its position as a multimodal logistics hub, generate new possibilities for the Chaco region, and expand commercial exchange with regional and international markets, boosting economic development and regional integration," it concluded.
