Understand why the R$92 million bridge will be rebuilt after 18 years in TO The National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit) confirmed that the bridge over the Tocantins River on BR-235, between Pedro Afonso and Tupirama, suffered irreversible damage and will need to be completely rebuilt. The decision was taken after technical reports indicated that the structure no longer offers safety for vehicle traffic. The crossing, essential for the regional economy, has remained closed since May 2026. ? Click here to follow the g1 TO channel on WhatsApp Studies carried out by the Technological Research Institute (IPT) identified serious chemical pathologies in the concrete of the bridge's foundations. Furthermore, extreme load tests showed that the structure suffered permanent deformations under pressure. Currently, the region faces logistical challenges, operating under an emergency decree and using ferries for transportation. Why will the bridge be completely rebuilt? Pedro Afonso Bridge Reproduction/TV Anhanguera The reconstruction was decided because a technical report from Dnit and IPT confirmed irreversible damage to the structure that prevents a simple renovation with guaranteed safety. Weight tests carried out in July 2026, using trucks totaling 360 tons, revealed that the bridge suffered permanent damage to the pillars and bases, not returning to its original position after the load was removed. READ MORE Report points out irreversible damage and bridge over the Tocantins River must be rebuilt Video shows women washing public trash and the gesture has repercussions on social media; watch What were the technical causes of the damage to the structure? Chemical analyzes of the base concrete revealed two destructive internal reactions: the alkali-aggregate reaction and the formation of late ettringite. These chemical pathologies caused definitive and profound wear on the bridge's foundations, compromising the stability of its 24 pillars. Pedro Afonso Bridge Reproduction/TV Anhanguera What is the current traffic situation? The bridge remains completely closed to all types of vehicles. Inspection of the section is being carried out by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) to ensure compliance with the blockade. The total interruption of traffic has been in effect since May 21, 2026. When was the original bridge opened and what was its cost? The structure, officially called Ponte Prefeito Leôncio Miranda, was inaugurated in December 2007, having only been in use for 18 years. The work cost a total of R$92.7 million, the result of a partnership between the Government of Tocantins and the Union. What are the alternative routes for drivers? Drivers must follow BR-153 to Guaraí and access TO-239 towards Tupiratins to cross the ferry to Itaperatins. Then, they must continue along TO-239, passing through Itacajá to BR-010, following this highway to Santa Maria to access TO-010 towards Pedro Afonso. Is there a plan for allowing light vehicles to pass through? The Dnit informed that it will carry out a reassessment in 15 days to verify the possibility of allowing only cars and motorcycles to pass through. However, any partial release depends on the prior execution of reinforcement and security services in the current structure. How is emergency transportation being carried out? To minimize economic and logistical impacts, the Government of Tocantins authorized the emergency operation of temporary ferries between Pedro Afonso and Tupirama. Due to losses in the flow of agro-industrial production in Matopiba, Pedro Afonso City Hall declared an emergency situation for 180 days. Bridge over the Tocantins River on BR-235 connects Pedro Afonso to Tupirama Divulgação/Ascom Coapa See more news from the region on g1 Tocantins.