Piauí Opens New Highway Reducing Travel Distance by 38km

On Tuesday, Governor Rafael Fonteles inaugurated the asphalt paving of the PI-110 highway, which links the municipalities of Miguel Alves and Barras. The new road shortens the travel distance between the two cities by 38 kilometers, reducing the route from 115 km to 77 km.

The project was executed by the Department of Roads of Piauí (DER) with a total investment of R$ 54.6 million. The work covered 77 km of the highway and included structural interventions such as the construction of 55 culverts and one reinforced concrete bridge. The new infrastructure is expected to improve the regional economy and facilitate the flow of agricultural production for over 100,000 residents.

The PI-110 highway project involved comprehensive paving and structural work. The Department of Roads of Piauí (DER) executed the project with a total investment of R$ 54.6 million. The scope of work covered 77 kilometers of the road.

The paving strategy consisted of two main components:

• 47 kilometers of new pavement using Double Surface Treatment (TSD)
• 30 kilometers of resurfacing using asphalt microsurfacing

Beyond the pavement, significant structural interventions were performed to ensure durability and safety. These included the construction of 55 culverts and the construction of one new reinforced concrete bridge. Additionally, the project involved the recovery of an existing bridge. To complete the infrastructure improvements, the work included the installation of curbs, gutters, drainage systems, and both horizontal and vertical signage throughout the entire section.

Officials emphasized the transformative nature of the road for the northern region of the state. Governor Rafael Fonteles described the project as a historic realization that began during the administration of Wellington Dias. He noted that R$ 54 million was applied specifically to this 77-kilometer stretch over the last three years.

The governor stated that the road connects populous municipalities and various rural communities. He highlighted that the improved infrastructure will enhance the regional economy, facilitate the flow of agricultural production, and generate more employment and income for the population.

The reduction in travel distance is a primary benefit. Leo Sobral, the director of DER, explained the efficiency gains:

"The route between the two cities, which previously required traveling 115 kilometers, is now only 77 kilometers, representing a reduction of 38 kilometers. This represents savings in time and fuel and signifies greater social well-being."

Sobral added that more than 100,000 people in the northern part of the state now rely on this new infrastructure.

Local leadership also celebrated the completion of the long-awaited project. Francisco Antônio Rebelo, the mayor of Miguel Alves, referred to the road as an old dream of the population. He emphasized that the road is fundamental for the flow of production and for those needing to travel between communities.

The completion of the PI-110 highway coincides with broader improvements in the state's road network. According to the National Confederation of Transport (CNT), Piauí maintained the first position among states in the North and Northeast regions and rose from 7th to 5th place in the national ranking of road quality.

Recent surveys indicate that 50% of the state's road network is classified as "excellent" or "good," placing Piauí behind only São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, the Federal District, and Mato Grosso do Sul. This progress reflects a continuous effort by the State Government, which has constructed over 1,000 km of new roads and recovered 7,300 km of existing roads in the last three years. These investments total R$ 3.1 billion and have generated more than 35,000 direct and indirect jobs.