Integração nacional e fragmentação regional: o sentido territorial da BR-153 no centro-norte brasileiro

Abstract

The construction of Brazilian federal highway BR-153 has played a major role in the urbanization process of the territory spanning Goiás and Tocantins states, as well as sought to integrate the national market. Among the main changes brought about by this network are population growth, significant increment of agricultural and livestock production, urban market dynamization and modifications to land ownership patterns. The main goal of this paper is to examine the territorial impacts of BR-153 on the central-north region of Brazil. To achieve this, we have carried out bibliographical, documentary, and field research, as well as mapped the highway to show its evolution, the urban morphology of settlements growing along it, petrol stations, and tollbooths to be installed between Anápolis and Aliança do Tocantins. In view of BR-153's logistical importance, boostedby an increase in regional exchanges, private sector concessions represent more than a means to ensure the highway's functionality. Its 'privatization' has a commercial purpose by guaranteeing profits, but it also reveals a strategic purpose through controlove the flow and, hence, over the functionality of the territory.