Two people were arrested for stealing materials from the Contorno Viário in Palos on Tuesday evening (22).

PRF (Federal Highway Police) agents were making their rounds when they saw four men carrying a bundle of iron bars along the curb of a BR-101, near the Contorno plant. Noticing the car, the men threw away the material and ran towards the vegetation.

PRF is evaluating a theft on Via Contorno Viario in the Florianopolis metropolitan area – Photo: PRF/Disclosure/ND

After a quick pursuit, the PRF managed to capture two men, residents of Paraná, aged 29 and 31. They were taken to the Palos police station, where they will be charged with theft. Two other suspects disappeared into the woods and have not been found.

Arteris Litoral Sul, the company responsible for the construction of the BR-101 bypass, confirmed the origin of the stolen material.

The concessionaire claims that this is a recurring problem in Contorno Viario’s work. Light fixtures, fenders, steel, electrical cables, pedestrian overpass safety railings, fences, smooth fence wire, concrete fence posts and more have already been stolen.

The concessionaire said that the construction site is monitored by CCTV cameras. When criminal activity is detected, law enforcement agencies are promptly notified. Arteris also emphasized that all evidence of criminal acts is turned over to the police to facilitate the identification of perpetrators.

iron fittings

Rebar, also known as rod or structural iron, is an iron rod with a smooth or ribbed surface, widely used as a foundation element in civil engineering.

These materials are durable and versatile and are commonly used in column framing or structural reinforcement such as slabs and other foundations.

About the contour of the road

Contorno Viário’s work to divert intercity traffic from the Florianópolis metropolitan area lasted 15 years. Started only in 2014, after delays from the original schedule in 2008, the work has faced a number of setbacks.

The recent departure of Azavedo & Travassos caused a suspension of work from the end of June. However, after a visit by ANTT (National Land Transportation Agency) last week, work resumed.

Arteris has announced an agreement with ANTT and will announce in the next few days the name of the construction company that will take over the special artwork, as well as an updated work schedule.

In the meantime, Aterpa Engenharia took over the earthworks, while Lacerda Engenharia was in charge of drainage.

The Contorno Viario section, 50 kilometers long, crosses the cities of Celso Ramos, Biguaço, San José and Palos, and is used by thousands of drivers every day.