Rio Scrambles to Ready Subway Before Olympics

Beset by delays and financial problems, the state of Rio is having trouble completing a new subway line before the Olympics start a month from now. The time crunch may cut into time for testing, presaging problems in August.

1 minute read

July 6, 2016, 6:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Rio Subway

Jorge Brazil / Flickr

Line 4 was touted as Rio's most important Olympic infrastructure project, designed to transport passengers between Ipanema beach and the Olympic Park and Village.

Without the subway, athletes and fans will need to traverse the city's (internationally unpresentable) hills and shantytowns by road, and traffic jams will be inevitable. According to an article The Associated Presstransportation experts are beginning to worry that the system might not be fully tested before the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics on August 5. 

Rio officials insist on their ability to complete the tests. "'Every hour counts,' Rodrigo Vieira, Rio de Janeiro's transportation head, told The Associated Press, insisting the job would be finished. 'We are working around the clock, 24/7 with 1,000 workers in each station.'"

On top of Brazil's presidential scandals, there's plenty to worry about going into the Games. Late last month, Rio state's acting governor declared a state of financial disaster. To make matters worse, other new infrastructure projects have encountered power outages, structural problems, and premature damage. 

Monday, June 20, 2016 in Associated Press via Chicago Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog