RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Interdicted since July 1991 due to the structure’s risk of collapse, the Hercílio Luz Bridge, which connects Florianópolis (SC) to the mainland, was reopened yesterday, December 30th, for pedestrians and cyclists.
With displays by local artists and other attractions, the partial reopening of the famous Santa Catarina postcard attracted thousands of onlookers and officials.
The Santa Catarina State Police also paid special tribute: police officers who drove some of the historic cars and who patrolled the vicinity wore a uniform identical to the one worn on the day the bridge was inaugurated on May 13th, 1926.
The official Twitter account of the government of Santa Catarina commented that “the busiest beach in Floripa today is called Ponte Hercílio Luz”, such was the flow of people attracted to the event. Governor Carlos Moisés explained that the work should only be completed in at least two months.
According to the Santa Catarina government, the project started in 2006 (and undertaken by the current company in 2016, following a series of issues with the previously contracted building companies) is approximately 95 percent complete, with some “adjustments” and repairs still required.
“In March, we will definitively reopen this work, with the scenic lighting that will change the look of this bridge”, said Moisés during the reopening ceremony.
Until January 5th, only pedestrians and cyclists will be allowed to cross the bridge. During this period, the site will host an extensive program to celebrate its reopening.
In all, it will be seven days of samba, rock, pop, ‘sertanejo’ (music style that had its origins in the countryside of Brazil in the 1920s) and Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) shows, as well as other cultural, sports and gastronomic attractions.
As of January 13th, the city hall will release the first bus lines and other vehicles at the service of public bodies.
Private car traffic is expected to be released after a brief assessment stage of its structure.