"We have two works with two different companies, I have now signed the contract with them so they can study the bridge for six months. They have already studied the project for a few months, the signing of this document will allow them to bring a larger and more specialised team," Costa explained.

According to the governor, the team needs to come up with ways to reduce the cost of the project. "In six months they will let us know if they are interested, what technical and construction solution they choose and what value they are willing to make." 

The government team said the draft document was finalised last weekend and is the result of a long process in the government's quest to get the project off the ground. "It's a very expressive investment. We are talking about something around US$2.2 billion," Costa estimated.