Social media videos depict people entering an unfinished tunnel of the BR-040 in Petrópolis, highlighting safety issues and the long delay in construction since 2016.
Recent videos shared on social media reveal individuals accessing an unfinished tunnel along BR-040 in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro. This structure is part of the New Serra Ascent project, which has been stalled since 2016. The footage captures several people entering the tunnel through a damaged gate, navigating through areas with water infiltration, abandoned equipment, and clearly marked no-entry signs.
In one of the videos, a man rides a motorcycle inside the tunnel, joking about the hazardous conditions and advising viewers not to attempt similar actions. Additionally, two other men were recorded walking inside the tunnel, using flashlights without any personal protective equipment, further exposing the safety risks associated with this site. The images raise concerns about public safety, especially given the lack of active surveillance or barriers to prevent unauthorized access.
The unfinished tunnel was intended to improve the main access to a key route, replacing a lengthy segment of the current BR-040 ascent. The continuous delay in its completion since 2016 has become a significant point of frustration for the local community, emphasizing the need for renewed focus on infrastructure projects in the region.
