Sidewalks on the new side roads of Durval de Góes Monteiro and Menino Marcelo avenues will have access ramps and tactile flooring

Traffic lights with buttons and audible signaling were installed at Fernandes Lima and Durval de Góes Monteiro

Improvements in citizen mobility are foreseen in Braskem's Commitments with Maceió

Maceió, April 26, 2024 - To enhance the inclusion of individuals with visual and motor disabilities, the urban mobility initiatives in Maceió encompass technologies aimed at improving accessibility on key city thoroughfares. The plan includes the construction of 25.3 kilometers of sidewalks featuring tactile flooring and accessible ramps. Additionally, ten new traffic lights equipped with buttons and sound signals for pedestrians have been installed along Fernandes Lima and Durval de Góes Monteiro avenues.

These projects adhere to accessibility standards, enabling individuals with visual impairments or reduced mobility to move safely and independently. According to IBGE's Portal Cidades, this demographic constitutes 31% of Maceió's total population.

In specific areas, such as the sidewalks and ramps of the new side roads of Durval de Góes Monteiro and Menino Marcelo avenues, as well as the future connecting road between them, 18,500 meters of tactile flooring (directional and warning types) are being installed. Additionally, 235 access ramps are being placed at corners and bus stops to facilitate crossing and mobility along the avenues.

The audible signals activated by buttons at traffic lights provide increased safety for people with visual impairments. These signals emit a standardized sequence of sounds in accordance with accessibility regulations. The continuous audible warning, lasting 15 to 20 seconds, alerts vehicles when the traffic light is red and the pedestrian crossing is open. As the pedestrian's allotted time nears completion, the sound accelerates, signaling the need to finish crossing. The cessation of the signal indicates that vehicles will resume movement.

The implementation of measures to improve urban mobility is included in the Socio-Environmental Agreement Term signed in December 2020 by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) and Braskem, with the participation of the State Public Ministry (MPE) and the adhesion of the Municipality of Maceió. The works are planned by the Municipality and executed by specialized companies contracted by Braskem. The interventions are supervised by the public authorities and are expected to last about three and a half years. The budget is BRL 360 million - adjusted annually.

The projects foresee the construction, expansion, or recovery of 33.4 kilometers of roads, the implementation of almost 37 kilometers of accessible sidewalks and bike lanes, the restoration of public walkways and parking lots, new lighting and electrical networks, stormwater drainage, and an intelligent traffic light system already in operation.

All of these initiatives are part of Braskem's commitment number 8 with Maceió - compensation and restoration of social living spaces in the affected areas and urban mobility. To enhance comprehension and oversight of the initiatives undertaken since 2019, the company has structured the 10 commitments encompassing social, urban, and environmental aspects, which are integral to the agreements signed with the authorities. The information is available at  https://www.braskem.com.br/compromissosmaceio

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