Bridge Connecting Porto de Outeiro to Parque da Cidade Opens in Belém
The new structure reduces travel time to the site hosting COP30 negotiations to around 30 minutes, ensuring mobility and comfort for delegations. The project benefits roughly 400,000 residents in the region.
Report created with information from the government of Pará
On Saturday, October 18, the bridge connecting Porto de Outeiro to Parque da Cidade—the venue for COP30 in November in Belém, Pará—was inaugurated. The structure will play a key role in providing swift access for conference participants, including delegations staying on ships docked at Porto de Outeiro.
“Outeiro Island previously had only one connection to the mainland, but the existing bridge was distant from the port, which would add about 30 to 40 minutes to the trip. This new bridge allows travel between the ship and the Zona Azul, the main venue for negotiations, in roughly 30 minutes,” explained Olmo Xavier, Infrastructure Director at the Special Secretariat for COP30 (SECOP) of the Civil House.
The Pastor Firmino Gouveia cable-stayed bridge spans 507 meters in length and 10.5 meters in width, supported by steel cables anchored to a central pylon. The structure was designed to ensure smooth traffic flow and long-term durability, becoming a new landmark in the capital of Pará, according to the state government.
The federal government, through SECOP and the Brazilian Tourism Promotion Agency (Embratur), finalized in July the chartering of two cruise ships to serve as temporary accommodation for COP30. The vessels will remain docked at Porto de Outeiro.
Transportation from the port to the Zona Azul will be provided by official conference buses, operating continuously and free of charge. The route, covering less than 20 kilometers, will use dedicated BRT lanes and the new rapid-access bridge.
Legacy
During the inauguration ceremony on Saturday, Pará Governor Helder Barbalho emphasized the significance of the new structure for the population. “After more than 40 years, Outeiro Island and the Icoaraci district gain a new means of connection, with a project that ensures better mobility, accessibility, and safety. This bridge builds a structured tomorrow, benefiting about 400,000 people while also boosting tourism, businesses, and leisure in the region,” Barbalho said.
The event was also attended by Minister of Cities Jader Filho; Vice-Governor Hanna Ghassan; Belém Mayor Igor Normando; and other authorities.
Minéia Cristina dos Santos, a cook and resident of Icoaraci for 30 years, celebrated the new connection. “When I arrived here, there was only a ferry, which made crossing very difficult. Then came the first bridge, and now, with this new one, our lives will improve significantly.”
Porto de Outeiro, soon to be inaugurated as well, will become part of Belém’s cruise tourism route, strengthening the region’s economy and tourism potential. The project is considered one of COP30’s main legacies for regional development in Belém.
Translation: Tadeu Azevedo (POET/UFC)
Proofreading: Michel Emmanuel Félix François (POET/UFC)