WASHINGTON, DC, March 18, 2025 - The World Bank Board of Directors has approved a new financing package to bolster Espírito Santo's road infrastructure resilience, safety, and sustainability. This funding of $162.4 million, part of the Brazil Proactive, Safe, and Resilient Road Asset Management Program - Phase 2, aims to improve transport access, enhance climate resilience, and promote private-sector participation in infrastructure development.
In Espírito Santo only 33% of the state's roads are considered to be in good condition. It also has a high rate of road fatalities (21.44 per 100,000 inhabitants), the highest in Brazil's Southeast region. Additionally, the state is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including floods and landslides, which disrupt connectivity and economic activity.
A major focus of this project is the construction of two bypasses in Santa Leopoldina and Santa Teresa, areas that experience annual flooding. These bypasses will ensure year-round connectivity, reducing the impact of extreme weather events and increasing road network resilience.
"Investing in resilient and safe road infrastructure is essential for sustainable development and economic growth," said Johannes Zutt, World Bank Country Director for Brazil. "This project will help Espírito Santo reduce transport costs, improve road safety, and enhance climate resilience, benefiting both urban and rural communities."
Key Project Highlights:
- Resilient Road Maintenance: Implement olong-term performance-based contracts (PBCs) to improve road quality and durability, minimizing deterioration and costly repairs.
- Climate Adaptation & Disaster Risk Reduction: Invest in infrastructure to mitigate the effects of floods, landslides, and extreme weather , ensuring reliable road access in vulnerable areas.
- Improved Road Safety : Introduce Measures to reduce traffic fatalities through better road design, pedestrian infrastructure, and enforcement of traffic regulations.
- Private Sector Participation: Mobilize $117 million in private investment via public-private partnerships (PPPs) to support road rehabilitation and maintenance.
- Social Inclusion & Gender Equity: Launch Initiatives to create jobs for women in the construction and logistics sectors, while addressing safety concerns for female transport workers.
This financing is aligned with the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Brazil and supports the state's Strategic Development Plan 2030, reinforcing sustainable economic growth and infrastructure modernization.
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