The importance of BR 242 is
significant. If and when completed it will connect the important
agricultural regions of
Sorriso and
Sinop
to Tocantins State and from there to the port at
Itaqui, São Luis, MA thus reducing export cost and shipping times.
First authorized by the Federal
Government in 1973, only a few sections of the highway in Mato
Grosso have been paved. At present, there is a legal battle between
those living along the original route and groups wanting to move the
route to the South.
As of this writing (11 Nov 11) it
appears the original route (see map)
won.
There is also the
planned
Central-Western railroad, that will go from
Lucas
do Rio Verde to Goiás State. However, this is not expected
to be operational within the next five years.
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