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After Almost 30 Years of Challenges, the Last Section of the Rodoanel Mario Covas Is Close to Transforming Mobility in São Paulo
The history of the Rodoanel Mario Covas construction is marked by decades of environmental, bureaucratic, political, and economic challenges. However, with a completion forecast for 2026, the North section of the highway is finally close to inauguration and promises to revolutionize mobility and logistics construction in São Paulo, benefiting millions of people.
A Project of Decades
The concept of a ring road in the metropolitan area of São Paulo emerged in the early 20th century, but it only gained traction in 1998 when the project was formalized and renamed the Rodoanel Mario Covas. Since then, construction has progressed in stages, gradually connecting the main state highways.
With a length of 44 km, the North section is the most challenging of all, crossing areas of rugged terrain and environmental protection, such as the Serra da Cantareira. Detailed studies ensured that the project was viable, balancing logistics efficiency with environmental preservation.
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After Paraguay, another South American country cuts corporate taxes, reduces the rate from 27% to 23%, and launches a package with over 40 measures to attract investments, generate jobs, and differentiate itself from Brazil in the dispute for competitiveness.
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130 kilometers off the coast and with 260-meter-tall turbines, the world’s largest offshore wind farm is being assembled on the bottom of the North Sea — when complete, its 277 turbines will generate energy for 6 million homes in the United Kingdom.
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While in Brazil the São Paulo-Rio high-speed train never materialized, China plans to tunnel 120 km under the sea to connect two cities by rail — 90 km will be underwater, with trains at 250 km/h, and the 8-hour journey will be reduced to 40 minutes.
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Two African countries will inaugurate in 4 days an 825-meter bridge suspended 90 meters high over a reservoir — it is the largest of three bridges of a megaproject that will supply millions of people.
Impacts and Progress of the Rodoanel Mario Covas Works
Currently, the Rodoanel Mario Covas works are 10% ahead, according to the concessionaire Via Apia, responsible for resuming in 2024. This section will connect strategic highways such as Presidente Dutra and Fernão Dias, integrating Guarulhos Airport into the road system.
The reduction in traffic in the region will be significant: it is expected that about 30% of the heavy traffic from the Pinheiros and Tietê margins will shift to the Rodoanel, improving urban fluidity and reducing logistical costs. The direct connection will also reduce transportation time to the Port of Santos by up to 50%.
Sustainability and Innovation
The construction in São Paulo incorporated advanced technologies to minimize environmental impacts. Modern ventilation systems in tunnels and specific measures for hazardous cargo enhance safety. Additionally, it is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by up to 15%.
The Future of Mobility
With a projected completion for 2026, the North section will consolidate the Rodoanel Mario Covas as the largest and most important road system in Brazil. In addition to solving historical bottlenecks in mobility, the project will bring economic, environmental, and social benefits, reaffirming its role in the evolution of road infrastructure and construction in São Paulo.
6 bilhões voando de mão em mão. E a população de SP, capital e interior, pagando com gastos em combustível, e horas e horas de uma péssima qualidade de vida. Esses são os nossos políticos.
É inaceitável que políticos joguem com a qualidade de vida dos cidadãos, desperdiçando recursos públicos e gerando sofrimento. A população de SP merece mais do que promessas e desrespeito.
Quando vai ser entregue
Não tem nada para comemorar, essa obra é o retrato do descaso com o dinheiro público.
É vergonhoso uma obra dessa levar mais de trinta anos, com muita incompetência levaria uns dez anos mas aqui tudo é festa.