Lula Inaugurates Araguaia River Bridge on BR-153, Connecting Tocantins and Pará

Overview

• President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led the opening on November 18 in Xambioá, with state leaders from Tocantins and Pará in attendance.
• The federal investment totaled about R$232 million, after years of legal disputes and delays that added at least R$100 million to early estimates.
• DNIT reports the bridge structure measures 1,724 meters, while some coverage cites 2,010 meters, reflecting differing measurements reported for the project.
• The crossing replaces ferry services that could cost up to R$300 per trip, easing travel on the BR-153 corridor for residents and freight.
• Officials say the link will benefit more than 1.5 million people and improve access to Norte-Sul rail and Tocantins–Araguaia waterway routes toward Arco Norte ports.