The holiday season is upon us, and with it, the roads of Goiás are expected to witness heavy traffic, particularly during the Christmas holiday period. To address safety concerns associated with the surge of automobiles, the Agência Goiana de Infraestrutura e Transportes (Goinfra) has put traffic restrictions on heavy vehicles on the state's highways.
These restrictions, effective from December 21 through December 25, will apply on three specific days: Saturday, December 21, Sunday, December 22, and Wednesday, December 25. The restrictions are enforced daily between the hours of 7 AM and 8 PM, aiming to facilitate safer travel for all road users during this busy time.
According to Goinfra, the traffic limitations particularly affect heavy vehicles with three or more axles and those needing escort vehicles to navigate highways with dual lanes but only single passages. This means trucks and other substantial vehicles won't be allowed on these routes, ensuring smoother traffic flow for smaller vehicles, especially passenger cars.
It's worth noting, though, there are exceptions to these rules. Vehicles transporting perishable goods, including items like fruits, vegetables, milk, live animals, or other temperature-sensitive freight, are exempt from these restrictions. This decision reflects the need to maintain supply chains for food and other essentials, even during peak travel periods.
The implementation of these restrictions is not merely for formality. It involves rigorous partnership efforts with the Command of Highway Police, ensuring adherence and compliance across affected routes. The aim is to bolster safety measures on the roads as families and friends gathered together for holiday celebrations.
Goinfra has identified numerous highways where traffic will be restricted from heavy vehicles. Key routes include:
- GO-010: From Luziânia to Vianópolis
- GO-020: From Bela Vista de Goiás to the junction with GO-147, connecting to Piracanjuba and Cristianópolis
- GO-080: From the junction with BR-153 to Goianésia
- GO-108: From the junction with BR-020 to Guarani de Goiás, near the Parque Estadual de Terra Ronca
- GO-116: Covers the stretch from BR-020 to Salto de Itiquira in Formosa
- GO-118: Expands from the border with the Federal District (GO/DF) to Alto Paraíso
- GO-139: Connects routes from Cristianópolis to Caldas Novas, covering several towns along the way
- GO-225: Pending from the BR-414 connecting Corumbá and Pirenópolis
- GO-530: From the junction with GO-164 to Aruanã
This list is non-exhaustive as traffic limitations encompass additional routes, elaborately aimed at enhancing general safety protocols across the state's network of roads.
The rationale behind restricting heavy vehicular traffic largely stems from the anticipation of increased automobile movement, which could lead to severe congestion and potential safety hazards if not managed adequately. These measures are positioned as proactive safety actions to prevent accidents and promote the responsible use of roadways during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
Across Goiás, many residents and visitors embrace the upcoming holiday with joy, provoking increased attention toward road safety. While celebrating and reuniting, the citizens are encouraged to be mindful of these traffic rules which safeguard family trips, gatherings, and festive moments.
Significantly, the cooperation between Goinfra and the Policing Command emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety on highways. They are committed to ensuring thorough monitoring throughout the period of restriction, which reflects both agencies' dedication to protecting roads and enhancing overall travel experiences.
By collaborating on enforcement, they strive to achieve the common goal of making holiday travel as safe as possible. The message is clear: enjoy the holiday season, take care on the roads, and adhere to the restrictions meant for the greater good of all travelers.
