After a series of infrastructure projects undertaken on the General Manuel Belgrano Interprovincial Bridge, which connects the provinces of Chaco and Corrientes, in order to secure its pillars and improve navigation in the area, it was decided to eliminate restrictions on the size of convoys that could cross it.
Some of the projects included the readjustment of the fendering system of pier No. 5 of the bridge and the installation of illumination systems featuring LED technology on the fenders of the piers. Additionally, new towers were installed, distinguished by their waterway edge color and reflective geometric markings, which correspond to the system implemented by Via Navegable Troncal.
The allowable size of push convoys was broadened, establishing a new maximum limit of 290 meters in length and 60 meters in width, including tugboats, on condition that their power surpasses 4000 HP. Additionally, for vessels that satisfy these criteria, the downstream passage was widened, allowing for dimensions of up to 230 meters in length and 50 meters in width.
However, for vessels failing to meet this power requirement, vessels with dimensions of up to 170 meters in length and 60 meters in width will be able to cross the bridge, provided their power exceeds 2000 HP. As for the downstream direction, vessels with lower power and dimensions of up to 170 meters in length and 50 meters in width will also be granted passage.
The mentioned initiatives and decisions were undertaken by the General Port Administration in Argentina. They concluded that, thanks to these enhancements, traffic will be accelerated, leading to diminished navigation costs in the area and an increased level of security.
