Residents of the municipalities of Buriticupu and Chapadinha in Maranhão, Brazil, blocked the BR-222 highway on the morning of Monday, April 2, to demand better infrastructure. They claim that the historical lack of maintenance has turned the road into a hazardous route, especially with the onset of the rainy season. The remaining asphalt has deteriorated significantly, creating large potholes that pose serious risks to transportation and local mobility.

The highway, which extends over 130 kilometers, is crucial for local residents, as it facilitates the movement of goods and individuals within the region. Protestors argue that the degrading conditions have resulted in financial losses for local drivers and have hindered transportation. They used tires, dirt truck beds, and wooden planks to obstruct both directions of the highway, leading to long vehicle queues. Only ambulances were allowed to pass through the blockade, emphasizing the dire circumstances created by the lack of infrastructure.

The residents are calling on the Departamento Nacional de Infraestrutura de Transportes (DNIT) to address their demands for road repairs and maintenance. This protest not only highlights the immediate inconvenience faced by motorists but also reflects broader issues of neglect in rural infrastructure that affects the everyday lives of the local population.