China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), in partnership with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), has signed a supplementary concession agreement with the Bahia State Government in Brazil to move forward with the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge project. Once completed, this landmark structure will be the longest cross-sea cable-stayed bridge in Latin America, enhancing connectivity between the city of Salvador and Itaparica Island.
The project will span approximately 46.8 kilometers in total length, with the sea-crossing section accounting for 12.4 kilometers. The centerpiece of the bridge will be a 922-meter-long main span, supported by a double-tower, double-cable-plane cable-stayed system. The bridge will rest on the world’s deepest pile foundations, a major engineering feat. The approach sections of the bridge will utilize a continuous rigid frame structure, combining long spans, large crossings, extreme elevations, and steep gradients to set a new standard in global bridge design and construction.
This transformative project marks a milestone in infrastructure collaboration between China and Brazil. It aims to optimize urban development across the Bahia Bay region and the southern coast of Bahia State, significantly improving regional transportation and accessibility. The bridge is also expected to serve as a powerful catalyst for local tourism, logistics, and trade, while fostering job creation and improving quality of life in the surrounding communities.
Beyond its technical and economic significance, the Salvador-Itaparica Bridge symbolizes a deeper alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil’s Growth Acceleration Plan. It underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations and highlights a shared commitment to sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
