A vital link between Midwest and Southeast Brazil
Via Cristais is the concessionaire of the highway linking Belo Horizonte, in the State of Minas Gerais, to Cristalina, in the State of Goiás. The concession forms part of the BR-040 highway, one of Brazil’s most important federal corridors, connecting the Southeast of the country to the federal capital, Brasília. The corridor combines dense commuter traffic around Belo Horizonte with heavy long-distance freight flows.
Key facts
- Traffic-risk concession with ANTT, Brazil’s National Land Transportation Agency
- Around 14 million toll transactions per year
- 14 Service and User Assistance bases
- High-precision laser-mapping
- AI in operations
- 100% clean energy contracts
Restoring infrastructure standards
When Via Cristais took over operations, road conditions no longer matched the importance of the highway. We launched a recovery programme including pavement rehabilitation, upgraded signage, reinforced safety equipment, refurbishment of walkways, new lighting and rehabilitation of drainage, bridges and viaducts. Our interventions rapidly restored operational performance.
Always within reach
Responsible for 24/7 roadside assistance, including emergency medical services, Via Cristais operates through 14 Service and User Assistance bases strategically located across the highway. Our teams are at the centre of the response chain and are often the first medical support available in remote areas. Their training and strong operational coordination are essential to maintain this level of service across such a long-distance corridor.
Smart eyes on the road
Innovation is a key lever in Via Cristais’ safety strategy. We use high-precision laser scanning to map the corridor and guide maintenance decisions with greater accuracy. We also equip patrol vehicles with an AI that detects signs of driver fatigue and immediately alert the control centre.
Connected to your journey
Via Cristais places strong emphasis on proximity with road users. Our interactive terminals installed at Service and User Assistance bases allow drivers to connect directly with our operational centre via video call. We launched a dedicated WhatsApp channel that provides real-time information on traffic and incidents, strengthening communication and responsiveness along the route.
Protecting the land we cross
Environmental progress began as soon as Via Cristais took over the concession. Our operational sites now run on 100 % renewables, our clean-up campaigns have removed significant amounts of waste, and we incorporate rubber asphalt produced from recycled tyres in our works. New solutions to meet VINCI Highways’ environmental objectives will include solar installations and fleet electrification.
The next chapter
Looking ahead, Via Cristais will accommodate growing logistics and urban demands through new investments in weigh-in-motion systems and dedicated truck rest areas. Capacity will be expanded with new lanes in the Belo Horizonte and Contagem metropolitan areas and duplications in Cristalina.
A growing VINCI Highways footprint in Brazil
VINCI Highways operates a 1,200 km network in Brazil with two concessions, Via Cristais and Entrevias, which both play a national role for mobility and long-distance freight. They present complementary challenges, enabling VINCI Highways to activate operational synergies, share expertise and offer teams opportunities across the network.
Join the team!
At VINCI Highways, you take responsibility early and work on infrastructure that has long-term impact. As part of VINCI, a global leader with a strong industrial vision, you join a Group built on trust and collective achievement.