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After almost 30 years of challenges, the last stretch of the Rodoanel Mario Covas is close to transforming mobility in São Paulo
The history of the construction of the Mario Covas Beltway is marked by decades of environmental, bureaucratic, political and economic challenges. However, with completion scheduled for 2026, the northern section of the highway is finally close to opening and promises to revolutionize mobility and construction logistics in São Paulo, benefiting millions of people.
A decades-long project
The concept of a ring road in the metropolitan region of São Paulo It emerged at the beginning of the 1998th century, but only gained momentum in XNUMX, when the project was officialized and renamed Rodoanel Mario Covas. Since then, construction has progressed in stages, gradually connecting the main state highways.
At 44 km long, the northern section is the most challenging of all, crossing areas of rugged terrain and environmental protection, such as Serra da Cantareira. Detailed studies ensured that the project was viable, balancing logistical efficiency with environmental preservation.
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Impacts and progress of the works on the Mario Covas Beltway
Currently, construction work on the Mario Covas Beltway is 10% advanced, according to the concessionaire Via Apia, responsible for the resumption 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 around 30% of the heavy traffic on the Pinheiros and Tietê highways will migrate to the Rodoanel, improving urban fluidity and reducing logistics costs. The direct connection will also reduce transport time to the Port of Santos by up to 50%.
sustainability and innovation
Construction in São Paulo incorporated advanced technologies to minimize environmental impacts. Modern ventilation systems in tunnels and specific measures for hazardous cargo reinforce safety. In addition, it is estimated that greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by up to 15%.
The future of mobility
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the northern section will consolidate the Mario Covas Beltway as the largest and most important highway system in Brazil. In addition to resolving 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.
The stretch from Guarulhos passes here close to my neighborhood in Bonsucesso. The structure needs to be revised.
I do not thank former governors Alckmin, Serra and Doria, who neglected the project and used the completion of the works as false electoral propaganda.
The first, for several mandates and promises of deadlines not fulfilled.
The last one, spent his term without putting a single bag of cement on the works.
In the end, it is our fault, the people's fault, who elected incompetent people with a low level of commitment to the population.