The eastbound span of the Ponte Marcelino Machado, which carries BR-135 over the Estreito dos Mosquitos in Maranhão, was imploded on Sunday, Nov. 1. The DNIT, Brazil's national transportation infrastructure department, said the demolition was necessary so a new structure can be built. The bridge connects São Luís with the rest of the state.
The operation required detailed technical planning because the demolished span stood only 16 meters from the westbound bridge, which remains standing and is the only road link to the Maranhão capital, São Luís. According to DNIT, measures were adopted to protect the remaining structure and ensure safety in nearby areas. The Federal Highway Police recorded footage of the implosion.
The demolition took place during high tide, a condition that helps reduce the energy of the impact on the water. Before the operation, teams carried out a detailed inspection of the site. Sensors were installed on the structure to monitor vibrations from the detonation, and 20 seismographs tracked impacts on the structure and surrounding area during the demolition. The Maranhão Military Firefighters Corps, which took part in planning, preventive measures and monitoring, also recorded the event.
After the implosion, the firefighters, the Federal Highway Police and Civil Defense carried out a new inspection. DNIT said the inspections are intended to compare results with measurements collected before the operation. According to DNIT, all technical safety criteria were confirmed as met, and traffic on the remaining bridge has already been released.
Sources: CNN Brasil.