PONTE DOM AFFONSO FELLIPE GREGORY

Until 2009, to cross from Tocantins to Maranhão at this point, it was necessary to take a boat or ferry.The inauguration of the Dom Affonso Fellipe Gregory Bridge changed this dynamic. In addition to making life easier for residents and travelers, it has become a tourist attraction because of its design.

Years later, in 2016, it was even more beautiful with blue, green and red artistic lighting. The crossing is monitored by cameras to make the place even safer.

The bridge is 1k long. The cable-stayed span has about 140m. In this region, the Tocantins River is narrower - it is about 600 meters wide.

Dom Afonso was auxiliary bishop in Rio de Janeiro in 1979 and diocesan bishop in Imperatriz from 1987 to 2008. His body was buried next to the altar of Nossa Senhora de Fátima Cathedral, another place you can visit downtown.

Photo: Fernando Cunha/ Flickr/ Reproduction

HOMAGE

The name is a tribute to Dom Affonso, a religious who was born in Imperatriz and dedicated a lot to the community. He died in 2008, a year before the bridge opened.

Dom Afonso was auxiliary bishop in Rio de Janeiro in 1979 and diocesan bishop in Imperatriz from 1987 to 2008. His body was buried next to the altar of Nossa Senhora de Fátima Cathedral, another place you can visit downtown.

Photo: Fernando Cunha/ Flickr/ Reproduction

VISIT ALSO

Not far away you can see Praia do Cacau, one of the busiest in Imperatriz. The region transforms between June and September, during the dry season. The river water drops and the movement shoots up. There you will find another board like these!

Enjoy the view and always remember to make a safe crossing.

Photo: Wikipedia/Reproduction

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Texts: Rodrigo Stüpp - Journalist and Tourism Guide.