World · Latin America · 2 hrs ago
Damaged bridge demolished near São Luís as replacement project moves ahead
Brazil's transport agency demolished the Marcelino Machado bridge on Sunday, Nov.
1, near São Luís in Maranhão state.
The bridge's eastbound section crossed the Estreito dos Mosquitos on the BR-135, a road linking the state capital with the rest of the state.
Inspections found serious structural damage, and the bridge had been closed since April.
The westbound bridge, only 16 metres away, remained standing and is the only road link to São Luís.
After the demolition, crews inspected that bridge and reopened it to traffic; the BR-135 had been closed during the operation.
A new bridge is planned for 2027, under a contract worth 176.7 million reais.
The Brazilian transport agency DNIT demolished the eastbound section of the Marcelino Machado Bridge near São Luís on November 1.
The bridge had been closed since April after inspections found serious structural problems.
The westbound bridge, 16 metres away and the only road link to São Luís, remained open after inspections.
The demolition used 20 seismographs to monitor vibrations and was carried out at high tide to reduce impact in the water.
A replacement bridge costing R$176.7 million is planned, with completion expected in 2027.
- Who
- Brazil’s National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT) carried out the demolition.
- What
- The eastbound section of the Marcelino Machado Bridge was demolished by controlled implosion to make way for a new structure.
- When
- Sunday, November 1, 2026.
- Where
- At the Estreito dos Mosquitos on the BR-135 near São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil.
- Why
- Inspections found serious structural problems, and a new bridge is planned.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The bridge was closed after structural problems were identified.
DNIT carried out the controlled implosion of the eastbound section.
Authorities inspected the remaining bridge, and traffic on it was released.
The planned replacement bridge is expected to be completed.
- Bridge
- Marcelino Machado Bridge, eastbound section
- Location
- Estreito dos Mosquitos, BR-135, near São Luís, Maranhão
- Distance to remaining bridge
- 16 metres
- Monitoring
- 20 seismographs
- Replacement cost
- R$176.7 million
- Expected completion
- 2027
2 sources
What people are saying
Following the authorities’ recommendations was essential for the safety of the population.
The detonations occurred in sequence, with short intervals between them, avoiding a concentration of energy.
I congratulate everyone involved in this action, which marks another important step toward ensuring a safer crossing and improving mobility in access to the Greater Island.