The agreement, published in the Diário Oficial da União and confirmed by the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT), marks the transition from concept to execution for one of Mercosur’s most anticipated infrastructure links. The US$41.5-million (R$214,681,195.71) bridge is expected to reshape trade and connectivity between Brazil and Argentina.
The crossing will span 950m over the Uruguay River, connecting Porto Xavier in Rio Grande do Sul with San Javier in Misiones. The link will feature a prestressed concrete girder typology, consisting of a continuous beam system supported by reinforced concrete piers and foundations across the Uruguay River. Designed to improve safety and multi-modal access, it will carry two traffic lanes, 2.5m shoulders, a 1.2m pedestrian walkway and a 1.6m cycle lane. LED lighting, anti-rollover barriers, and real-time structural monitoring systems will also be incorporated.
The contract was awarded under Brazil’s Differentiated Integrated Contracting Regime (RDCI) to the Consórcio Ponte Rio Uruguai-RS, led by Rivoli Construtora, the Brazilian subsidiary of Italy’s Rivoli Group. The scope includes the main viaduct and access roads - 900m on the Brazilian side and 500m on the Argentine side - while customs and border facilities will be tendered separately. Preliminary works, including environmental licensing and land expropriations, will begin immediately, with full-scale construction scheduled for mid-2026 and completion expected by late 2028.
The new crossing will replace the existing ferry service, which is often disrupted during floods, reducing logistics costs and boosting tourism across the Missiones region.
