SECTOR: Transportation

PROJECT NAME: Second Roads Program for the State of Ceará

(1019/OC-BR)

TOTAL COST: $230 million

FINANCING:

IDB $115 million

LOCAL $115 million

DATE OF APPROVAL: July 2, 1997

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The objective of the program is to increase the efficiency of the highway sector in the state of Ceará. In support of the state's economic and social development, improvements will be made in transportation and modern highway administration. The specific goal is to reduce transportation costs of the state road system by: (a) reducing traffic congestion and facilitating the movement of nonmotorized traffic on access roads to metropolitan Fortaleza; (b) structuring the state highway system and rehabilitating or paving its main routes; (c) linking the municipal centers with the state system by means of paved roads; and (d) setting up administrative systems that will make more effective use of resources for road maintenance, while reducing the risk of accidents and protecting the environment.

To promote the integration and development of Ceará, the projects selected will have to strengthen road connections among the state's 20 macro regions and Ceará's links with neighboring states. Priority will be given to the paving and rehabilitation of highways on four main transportation corridors, as well as the paving of roads leading to 16 of the 27 municipal centers in the interior of the state that are not yet linked to the paved system.

The program will consist of the following components: (a) conversion into divided highway of 52 km of access roads to the metropolitan Fortaleza area, with a bike lane and sidewalks along the entire length; (b) paving of approximately 420 km of highways to conventional standards and low-cost paving of approximately 450 km of access roads; (c) rehabilitation and improvement of pavement and shoulders along approximately 510 km of road; (d) sealing and small works on 350 km of road; (e) procurement of equipment for routine maintenance, traffic safety and environmental protection; and (f) institutional strengthening of the Department of Buildings, Highways and Transportation of the State of Ceará (DERT).

The project will support the following specific outputs: (a) the establishment of a regional environmental and social monitoring system; (b) a detailed community participation plan; (c) a land use potentials plan; and (d) a draft regional development plan.

CONSULTANTS: Consultants will be hired to carry out technical and administrative supervision of five groups of roadworks including: (a) verification of compliance with the technical standards and specifications for each group of road works; (b) analysis and formulation of recommendations concerning any necessary modifications or adjustments to the designs, construction methods or programming of the works supervised; (c) certification of the quality of the works and installations, and determination of the proper application of the road safety and environmental protection measures specified; and (d) monthly verification of the progress and price of the works. In addition, consultants will be hired to carry out the following institutional strengthening activities: (a) a study to focus on reorganizing the DERT, designing the new structure and supporting the DERT in implementing changes in organization, administrative procedures, and deployment of technical personnel; (b) training for technical and administrative DERT personnel in road administration, environmental management, traffic safety, transport engineering, administrative and financial management and auditing; (c) support the implementation of the Road Maintenance and Administration System (RMAS), and determining the best organizational structure for administering maintenance; and (d) studies and services related to the implementation of 500 meter experimental stretches, a georeferenced information system, and environmental monitoring measures.

GOODS AND EQUIPMENT: Engineering equipment, computers, pavement evaluation equipment, and weighing equipment and instruments will be procured to strengthen control of road traffic.

CIVIL WORKS: The following civil works will be financed: (a) construction of two two-lane highways (51.7 km) separated by a central median; (b) ten projects which consist of paving approximately 420 km of main roads; (c) paving of 16 rural roads (450 km), where low-cost paving will be applied, as well as special drainage works and structures to ensure year-round usability; and (d) rehabilitation of paved highways of approximately 510 km. The construction of the two-lane highways will involve: (a) shaping of the roadbed to adapt it to the new cross section and to the configuration of the planned intersections; (b) construction of drains and ditches for controlling surface ground water; (c) construction of a bike lane along the entire length of the highway, and pedestrian walkways and crossings; (d) installation of signs and road safety devices; and (e) protection of banks and slopes and other environmental measures. The works needed to carry out the ten projects will include: (a) surfacing with earth or gravel; (b) earth moving to adapt the existing roadbed to new vertical or horizontal alignments; (c) expansion of drainage and other special structures; and (d) installation of signs and special safety devices for pedestrian and nonmotorized traffic. The works to rehabilitate paved highways will include: (a) strengthening and/or reconstruction of existing pavement; (b) rehabilitation or augmenting of surface and underground drainage; (c) installation of signs and safety devices at intersections in populated areas; and (d) measures to protect the environment.

EXECUTING AGENCY: Departamento de Edificações, Rodovias e Transportes (DERT)

Rua Assunção 1100, Centro,

Fortaleza, Ceará

Tel: (55-85) 252-4769

Fax: (55-85) 252-5037

Contact: Francisco das Chagas Neto