Impactos positivos e negativos do transporte rodoviário na microrregião de Guanhães - MG

Abstract

Road transportation in Brazil plays a fundamental role in territorial integration and economic development, constituting the main mode for the movement of people and the transportation of goods. The objective of this study is to analyze the positive and negative impacts of road transportation in the microregion of Guanhães, in the state of Minas Gerais, considering aspects related to road infrastructure, logistics costs, traffic safety, and regional integration. The methodology is characterized as descriptive and exploratory research, with a qualitative approach, based on documentary analysis and secondary data, using reports, maps, and technical information provided by the Minas Gerais Department of Roads (DER- MG), as well as a bibliographic review on road transportation and regional development. The results indicate that road transportation has a positive influence on regional integration, facilitating the flow of agricultural, forestry, industrial, and mining production, as well as enabling student transportation and access to healthcare services. However, the study identified significant deficiencies in road infrastructure, including the absence of duplicated highways, the predominance of unpaved roads in strategic connections, the frequent need for emergency maintenance, and the substantial increase in travel distances required to access paved routes. These factors contribute to higher logistics costs and increased risks to road safety. It is concluded that, despite the importance of road transportation for the development of the Guanhães microregion, the lack of structural investments and the fragility of the road network limit its integrative and economic potential. Therefore, the implementation of public policies focused on paving, continuous maintenance, and strategic planning of road infrastructure is essential to reduce regional inequalities and improve mobility and logistical competitiveness.