DNIT restricts traffic on BR-235 bridge after study shows damage to the structure A technical report from the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit) confirmed, this Friday (17), that the bridge over the Tocantins River, on BR-235, between the municipalities of Pedro Afonso and Tupirama, has damage that cannot be repaired. According to the agency, it will be necessary to reconstruct the crossing, as a renovation would not guarantee the safety of drivers. The decision was based on two stages of investigation. Between July 8 and 10, the bridge underwent a weight test. Trucks weighing 360 tons were placed in the center of the structure, and sensors showed that the bridge did not return to its original position after the weight was removed, which caused permanent damage to the pillars and bases. ? Click here to follow the g1 TO channel on WhatsApp Exams carried out by the Institute of Technological Research (IPT), in São Paulo, explained the cause of the problem. Analysis of the base concrete revealed two internal chemical reactions known by engineers as the alkali-aggregate reaction and the formation of late ettringite, which caused definitive wear and tear on the structure. According to Dnit, following the rules of the Special Works of Art Rehabilitation Program (Proarte), it was decided that the bridge should be completely rebuilt. READ ALSO: Bridge over the Tocantins River on BR-235 is completely closed; understand Bridge closure on BR-235 leads municipality of TO to declare emergency situation State authorizes ferry crossing on the Tocantins River after bridge closure on BR-235 Bridge over the Tocantins River, on BR-235 connects Pedro Afonso to Tupirama Photo: Luciano Ribeiro/Government of Tocantins Dnit reported that the bridge remains closed, and will reevaluate in 15 days whether it can allow cars to pass and motorcycles. However, release depends on security services that still need to be carried out. Inspection on the stretch is carried out by the Federal Highway Police (PRF), and while the definitive solution is not implemented, drivers must use the following alternative route: 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. Understand the case The closure of the bridge at km 163 of BR-235 began on May 21, 2026, after inspections identified structural problems. Initially, only vehicles with loads above four tons were prohibited from passing, but the restriction evolved into total closure as a preventive measure. The region is an important flow corridor for Matopiba's agro-industrial production. Due to the logistical and economic losses generated by the blockade, Pedro Afonso City Hall declared an emergency situation for 180 days. To minimize inconvenience, the Government of Tocantins authorized the emergency operation of ferries to cross between Pedro Afonso and Tupirama, a service that began to operate temporarily while the Dnit deepened the technical studies that have now been completed. See more news from the region on g1 Tocantins.