THE Trans-Amazonian, or Transamazon Highway (BR-230), was built during the government of Emílio Garrastazu Médici, between 1969 and 1974. A work of great proportion that became known as a “Pharaonic work”.
For the development of the work, the government brought to the region approximately four thousand men (between 1970 and 1973), this in order to open roads and establish communication between the cities.
The project was carried out during a period of military rule in Brazil, the highway became the third largest in the country, with four thousand kilometers, covering the states of Paraíba, Piauí, Maranhão, Pará and Amazons. THE Trans-Amazonian it cuts through Brazil in an east-west direction, so it is considered a transversal road, however, for the most part, it is not paved. The ends of the highway are respectively in Cabedelo (Paraíba) and Lábrea (Amazonas).
The objective of building a highway of this proportion was to interconnect the regions, especially the North region, with the rest of Brazil, and populate that area so uninhabited. The inauguration took place on August 30, 1972, the original intention was for the highway to be paved, connecting the Northeast and North regions, in addition to Peru and Ecuador, totaling eight thousand kilometers.
As the Transamazon Highway is unpaved, it is impassable between October and March, the period that determines the rainy season in the region. Its construction caused several problems, including deforestation in nearby areas.
By Eduardo de Freitas
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team