DNIT restricts traffic on BR-235 bridge after study shows damage to the structure Opened in December 2007, the bridge over the Tocantins River on BR-235, between Pedro Afonso and Tupirama, was designed to be a pillar of the regional economy, but showed irreversible damage after 18 years of use. The structure will have to be rebuilt, as announced by the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit). The technical report this Friday (17) revealed that the concrete of the foundations suffers from serious chemical pathologies, such as the alkali-aggregate reaction and the formation of late ettringite. According to Dnit, these reactions caused definitive wear and tear that impeded the renovation and, following the rules of the Special Works of Art Rehabilitation Program (Proarte), it was decided that the bridge should be completely rebuilt. ? Click here to follow the g1 TO channel on WhatsApp According to records from the Government of Tocantins, the construction of the bridge, officially named Ponte Prefeito Leôncio Miranda, had a total cost of R$92.7 million and was a project carried out in partnership between the state and federal governments. At the beginning of the work, in 2005, data from the Government of Tocantins inform that the state invested R$30 million. Another R$30 million was invested the following year, while the Union guaranteed the rest of the resources for the construction of the structure, which is an integral part of the BR-235 federal highway. MORE Miranda (MDB), with the aim of replacing transport by ferries and reducing freight costs for soybean production in the region, which represented 20% of all production in the state at the time. Measuring 1,060 meters long and built on 24 pillars, the bridge was considered the longest in Tocantins at the time. In addition to its economic importance for the flow of grains to markets such as China and Europe, the work connects Tocantins to the states of Pará and Maranhão. Chronology of the closure The structural crisis of the bridge worsened rapidly between the months of May and July 2026: May 21, 2026: The Dnit carried out a total closure of the bridge after inspections identified problems with the pillars. Initially, there were only restrictions for heavy vehicles (above 4 tons), but the measure evolved into complete closure for safety reasons. May 25, 2026: With the blockade, the Government of Tocantins authorized an emergency operation and the crossing was once again carried out via ferries, between Pedro Afonso and Tupirama, to minimize logistical impacts. May 26, 2026: Pedro Afonso City Hall declared an emergency situation for 180 days due to losses in the supply and flow of agro-industrial production in Matopiba. July 8, 2026: Extreme load tests were carried out at the site. Trucks weighing 360 tons were positioned on the bridge, and sensors indicated that the structure suffered permanent damage and did not return to its original position after the weight was removed. July 17, 2026: The final report, with support from the Institute of Technological Research (IPT), confirmed that the damage is irreversible and the total reconstruction of the work was recommended. As a result, the road remains completely closed. The Dnit reported that it should evaluate within 15 days whether it will be possible to release the passage only for cars and motorcycles, but the measure depends on security reinforcements that will still be implemented. Inspection on the stretch is carried out by the Federal Highway Police (PRF). While the definitive solution is not implemented, drivers can use the following alternative routes: Follow BR-153 to Guaraí; Access TO-239 towards Tupiratins and cross by ferry to Itaperatins; Continue along TO-239 passing through Itacajá until BR-010; Follow BR-010 to Santa Maria and access TO-010 towards Pedro Afonso. Alternative route Disclosure/Dnit See more news from the region on g1 Tocantins.