BR-324 highway section in Bahia fully reopened after two weeks of repairs

A section of the BR-324 highway in Simões Filho, located in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, Bahia, has been fully reopened to traffic as of Sunday night, July 19th. The road had been significantly impacted by a crater that first appeared on July 7th, causing partial and then total interdictions. Initially, the issue led to traffic jams extending up to four kilometers and prompted drivers to seek alternative routes through urban streets, causing congestion in Simões Filho. The problem began with a pavement subsidence that initially led to a one-day closure. However, a new, larger crater emerged at the same location, necessitating further extensive repairs. During the repair work, technicians discovered that the visible crater was only a symptom of a larger issue beneath the road. A water gallery, situated approximately 22 meters deep and nearly 180 meters long, was found to be compromised. To address this, a geogrid was installed to reinforce the ground's stability and prevent future pavement collapses. On August 14th, the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit) declared a state of emergency for the affected stretch to expedite administrative and legal processes for the highway's recovery. The BR-324 is a crucial link connecting Salvador with the interior of Bahia.