Motorists travelling between Santa Maria and Porto Alegre have a new stretch of dual carriageway to use on the RSC-287. The concessionaire, Rota de Santa Maria, has completed works on six kilometres of the rural section in Tabaí and opened one direction to two‑lane traffic while the opposite carriageway remains partially restricted.
RSC-287 duplication delivers immediate traffic relief
The upgraded section follows the earlier opening in August of three kilometres of urban carriageway in Tabaí, which had been delivered a year late. The recent work covers the rural run from kilometre 30 to kilometre 36, while the urban stretch sits between kilometre 28 and 30. Together these additions reduce congestion and improve safety on a route that links interior Rio Grande do Sul with the state capital and the coast.
On the most recent Tuesday, traffic was released in both directions on the carriageway heading from Santa Maria towards Porto Alegre. In the opposite direction, Rota reported that construction is complete but chose a partial release, keeping cones in place on one of the lanes along the six‑kilometre stretch up to the Taquari junction. The company said an official delivery is planned during January.
Despite these advances, Rota has not yet published a full schedule for further duplications in urban and rural segments for 2026. Under the concession contract the company was due to duplicate additional urban stretches in Santa Maria, Paraíso do Sul, Novo Cabrais and Candelária. Reconstruction work prompted by the devastating floods has required a revised timetable with the state government.
Bridges and financing remain key to completion
Rota continues to rebuild structures damaged by the May 2024 floods, notably the bridges over Arroio Grande in Santa Maria and Arroio Barriga between Paraíso do Sul and Novo Cabrais. The concessionaire expects the new bridge structures to be ready by the end of February, but warned in December that the timeline could slip while it awaits a R$ 110 million payment from the state’s Reconstruction Fund.
Several segments destroyed by the floods in Candelária and Mariante have yet to be rebuilt and remain on narrow lateral detours. The outstanding work underscores the financial and logistical challenges of restoring full capacity to the corridor while maintaining traffic flow on portions that are already complete.
What is now fully duplicated on RSC‑287 includes two kilometres of urban carriageway in Tabaí (km 28–30), six kilometres of rural carriageway in Tabaí (km 30–36) and four kilometres of urban road in Santa Cruz do Sul. The additions are expected to bring immediate benefits for freight and passenger travel along the route, easing bottlenecks at peak times and improving access for communities dependent on the highway.
Rota’s next steps will be closely watched by local authorities and road users. A clear delivery schedule for the remaining contracted duplications and confirmation of funding from the Reconstruction Fund will be crucial for restoring the corridor fully and meeting contractual obligations to the state.
Key Takeaways:
- RSC-287 duplication work in Tabaí now includes six kilometres of rural carriageway opened to traffic.
- Partial two-way circulation already operating; official handover expected in January.
- Bridge reconstructions continue amid a pending R$ 110 million payment that could delay completion.
- RSC-287 duplication strengthens regional connectivity and supports post‑flood reconstruction efforts.
