Brasília, May 12, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - The Brazilian government will spend US$ 640 million (R$ 2 billion) to recuperate 13 thousand kilometers of highways in the country by April, 2005. This information was conveyed by the Minister of Transportation, Alfredo Nascimento, at a meeting of the National Confederation of Industry's (CNI) thematic council on infrastructure.

The Minister acknowledged that half (55%) of the country's 58 thousand kilometers of highways are unsuitable for traffic. To verify the problem at close range, beginning tomorrow (13) Nascimento will make a series of visits to the states.

Brazilian highways are 12 years-old, on the average. Technical norms recommend the restoration of pavement every 10 years.

Translator: David Silberstein