Governor Helder Barbalho participates in the delivery of the bridge connecting Pará to Tocantins over the Araguaia River
The expectation is that, with the new structure, the flow of goods will gain greater agility, expanding the outflow of agricultural, industrial, and mineral production.
By Paulo Garcia (SEINFRA)
18/11/2025 13h36
Governor Helder Barbalho participated, on the morning of this Tuesday (18), alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in the delivery of the new bridge over the Araguaia River, which connects the cities of São Geraldo do Araguaia, in Pará, and Xambioá, in Tocantins, via BR-153. The work, carried out by the Federal Government, has a length of 2,010 meters, with 310 meters in Pará and 1,700 meters in Tocantins.
The structure represents a historic advancement for mobility in the region by ensuring more safety for the population and strengthening the transport corridor of BR-153. The expectation is that the flow of goods will gain greater agility, expanding the outflow of agricultural, industrial, and mineral production, consolidating the competitiveness of Pará, Tocantins, and the entire Northern Region in the national and international scenario.
During the event, the governor highlighted the symbolism of the work for regional development. He recalled the difficulties experienced by the population over decades and the importance of overcoming historical infrastructure obstacles.
“What a joy to experience this chapter in the history of Northern Brazil, with the integration of Pará to Tocantins and the entire region to the rest of the country. Today, a film plays in my mind. In 2012, I crossed this stretch of the Araguaia in a small boat with Daniela because it was the only alternative, and that symbolized the delay and difficulties faced by the population,” said the governor.
Helder Barbalho also made a point of recalling the path taken to the completion of the bridge, reinforcing the commitment of the State and the Union to regional progress.
“In 2017 I was here to sign the service order that initiated the works. There were delays throughout the process in past administrations, but it is under President Lula's government that this bridge becomes a reality. It is works like this that transform lives, generate thousands of jobs, and drive development. I feel joy for having participated in the beginning of this dream and now, seeing alongside President Lula the bridge that integrates Pará to Brazil ready and delivered to the people,” he pointed out.
The delivery of the bridge marks the end of a cycle characterized by years of waiting, especially for those who depended daily on the ferry crossing, which could cost more than three hundred reais and faced operational limitations. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized the importance of the continuity of public works and the responsibility of governing with the well-being of the population in mind.
“Today is a special day. When you are elected president, you need to know what is being done in the country to ensure that important works do not stop just because they started in another administration. What matters is the benefit to the population. This bridge began to be planned in the Dilma Government and I am proud to deliver it now. For a long time, Brazil stopped investing in infrastructure as we are doing at this moment,” pointed out the president.
Elivaldo Rodrigues Lima - boatman
New reality - The local population celebrated the realization of an old dream. Resident Elivaldo Rodrigues Lima, 51, recalled the long wait while commenting. “Since I was 14 years old, I saw this unfinished bridge. Today, at 51, I have the joy of seeing this work of art completed. It will improve the flow of people and make our lives easier. The distance between Pará and Tocantins is now a matter of one minute. It’s just joy for those who live on the banks of the Araguaia,” said Elivaldo.
Another resident, Domingues Soares de Oliveira, also celebrated the new reality. “The crossing was always done by ferry. Today, thank God, the bridge brings the practicality that the population has waited for so many years. It will make our lives much easier,” he concluded.
Next steps - According to the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), a second phase of implementation will be carried out, which will include a modern public lighting system. This phase is already in planning, with technical studies underway to define appropriate solutions and ensure the execution of the project safely and efficiently. The bidding is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
