Massive 12.4 km Sea Bridge Under Construction to Slash Hours-Long Journey to 15 Minutes
Construction has officially begun on the colossal Salvador-Itaparica Bridge, a 12.4-kilometer (7.7-mile) structure set to connect the city of Salvador in Brazil with Vera Cruz on Itaparica Island. With an estimated cost of around $2.2 billion, the project, which was officially launched on July 1, 2026, is poised to become the longest sea bridge entirely elevated over water in Latin America upon its completion.
Today, transportation between the two regions is primarily facilitated by ferry services, which often lead to disruptions and congestion, or by the lengthy road route that circumvents the bay.
When the bridge is completed, it is expected to reduce the travel time between Salvador and Itaparica Island to approximately 15 minutes. It is estimated that around 28,000 vehicles will use the bridge daily. The bridge, which will have two lanes in each direction, will be integrated with 4.3 kilometers of connecting roads in Salvador, a 22-kilometer highway on the island, and the expanded BA001 highway.
The project, which has been undergoing drilling and geological research for over a year, is poised to rank among the top in the world with its technical infrastructure. The structure, which has a cable-stayed central span extended to 2,238 feet (approximately 682 meters), will provide an 86-meter vertical clearance for large cargo and passenger ships to pass through. With its two diamond-shaped towers rising 256 meters above the bay, this bridge will earn a spot among the world's 25 largest cable-stayed bridges.
The technology being utilized is the "temporary offshore platform" originating from China, which has reduced the need for support vessels during the construction process by 70%.
This system, which functions like an industrial pathway on water, ensures the safe progression of operations without disrupting the fishing and maritime traffic in the bay.
The public-private project, carried out in partnership with the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), encompasses a concession period of 35 years in total, including 6 years of construction and 29 years of operation, in the state of Bahia.
During the construction process, the project is expected to provide direct and indirect employment to approximately 7,000 people. The completion is targeted for June 2031. However, this colossal structure will not only expedite transportation but also profoundly reshape the land values on Itaparica Island, regional development, and the lives of local communities.
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