Brazil and Paraguay Inaugurate Second International Bridge to Boost Trade and Connectivity
Brazil and Paraguay open their second international bridge, marking a major step in enhancing trade, tourism, and regional infrastructure connectivity between the two countries.
- • The International Bridge of Integration was inaugurated connecting Foz do Iguaçu and Presidente Franco.
- • The project involved a R$ 1.9 billion investment, partially funded by Itaipu Binacional.
- • The bridge has the largest free span in South America at 470 meters with two 190-meter towers.
- • Initially, only empty trucks can cross; full traffic is expected by 2026-2027.
- • The bridge aims to alleviate congestion caused by the older Friendship Bridge and enhance bilateral economic growth.
Key details
On December 20, 2025, Brazil and Paraguay officially inaugurated the International Bridge of Integration, the second road connection over the Paraná River linking Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, and Presidente Franco, Paraguay. The event was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who highlighted the bridge's critical role in enhancing tourism and trade between the neighboring countries. The project represents a joint investment of R$ 1.9 billion, including R$ 712 million funded by Itaipu Binacional under Brazil's Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).
The new bridge notably features the largest free span in South America at 470 meters and is supported by two 190-meter tall towers, spanning a total length of 760 meters. Its inauguration arrives 60 years after the opening of the Friendship Bridge, which currently handles a daily movement of around 100,000 people and 45,000 vehicles, frequently causing congestion.
Initially, the bridge will permit only empty trucks to cross, with customs and federal police operations fully prepared on the Brazilian side, according to Transport Minister Renan Filho. Full cargo traffic is expected by late 2026 to early 2027, dependent on the completion of Paraguay’s Metropolitan Corridor del Este. This new infrastructure aims to alleviate congestion on the Friendship Bridge and foster stronger economic ties between Brazil and Paraguay through improved logistical infrastructure and increased bilateral visitation.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
