RIO DE JANEIRO (BDCi) – The removal of the last section of a Brazilian highway has affected traffic in Rio de Janeiro, one of the heaviest traveled areas in Brazil.
The demolition of the 3.4-mile Perimetral highway will make way for the Porto Maravilha project.
Though some 5,000 vehicles are redirected to alternate routes, local media have reported that traffic for commuters as being “fine.”
The Perimetral highway will be split into two new, state-of-the-art lanes designed to accommodate 10,500 vehicles an hour.
Though changes to traffic are a concern, the transformation of Porto Maravilha will also revitalize the area with residential spaces, a new science museum, leisure spots with bike paths, plenty of shopping and even a light-rail transit line.
The demolition is expected to be finished within the next few weeks.