RodoNorte administrates four sections of main highways, as well as access sections, totaling 567 kilometers: BR-277 and BR-376 (connecting Curitiba and the main cities of northern Paraná), PR-151 (linking Ponta Grossa, Jaguariaíva and Sengés), and BR-373 (between Ponta Grossa and the Caetano Interchange that exits to northern Paraná and Iguaçu Falls). With an average traffic flow of 75,000 trips per day, these highways are important corridors for Paraná’s agricultural and industrial production.
Ten years ago, the Paraná Government wanted to promote the State’s economic development, but didn’t have enough resources to recuperate the highway system, which was in terrible condition. So, in 1997, it turned over to private enterprise the responsibility for investing in, maintaining, and operating part of the highway assets. Paraná’s Highway Integrating Ring was born, for which six concessionaires, including RodoNorte, took over the operation of approximately 2,500 kilometers of roads.
During a decade of operations, RodoNorte has invested around R$ 1 billion in improvements of the highway system, including recuperation of pavement and shoulders, cleaning the lanes, and renewing the signing.
The concessionaire also invests in widening the roads, building passing lanes, and service roads, as well as strengthening and widening bridges and viaducts. And it built pedestrian overpasses, weigh stations, and even State Police Highway posts. These improvements are helping the economic development of the neighboring cities and of the entire State of Paraná. Well-kept highways stimulate tourism, attract new industries, and improve the flow of the State’s agricultural and industrial production.