New Paraguay-Brazil bridge open

The new bridge linking Brazil and Paraguay and spanning the Paraná River is now being opened to traffic. This is the second bridge spanning the Paraná River. Called the Mayor Jaime Lerner Integration Bridge, the structure connects Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil with Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. The bridge is named after Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Ciudad.

The cable-stayed bridge is 760m in length, with a 470m central span and features a novel asymmetric design. The dual lane bridge has towers 190m in height and cost $352 million to build. Although the bridge was completed in 2022, only now is it being opened for use due to a series of bureaucratic delays.

The bridge will improve transport between Brazil and Paraguay and also forms part of a wider programme to boost transport across Latin America between the Atlantic Coast and Pacific Coast.

Meanwhile, a $414 project in Paraguay will see upgrades to the PY01 route, with the work being handled under the PPP model. The stretch will connect Cuatro Mojones and Quiindy.

In addition, a 19km section of the PY09 route linking Remanso and Puerto Falcón is now open to traffic. The road stretch has been widened, while three new concrete bridges and new roundabouts have been built. A pedestrian bridge and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists have also been added. The location is close to the border with Argentina and will also help boost international trade.