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Brazil will have its first underwater tunnel! With an investment of R$6 billion, the historic project promises to end the wait for ferries, connecting Santos and Guarujá quickly and safely. With an auction scheduled for 2025, the megaproject will be a milestone in national infrastructure.
For decades, the connection between Santos and Guarujá has been synonymous with slow and congested crossings, whether by ferry or long road journeys.
The promise of a faster connection was always there, but it never materialized.
Now, an ambitious project aims to change this reality, bringing an innovative solution for mobility in Baixada Santista.
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The Government of São Paulo approved this week the final model for the concession of the Santos-Guarujá Tunnel, a project estimated at R$6 billion.
The initiative, part of the State of São Paulo's Investment Partnerships Program, São Paulo (PPI-SP) and the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), aims to build the first underwater tunnel in Latin America. The structure will be 1,5 km long, with 870 meters underwater, connecting the two cities under the sea.
A solution to a historical problem
Currently, more than 21 thousand vehicles depend on ferries daily to cross between Santos and Guarujá.
In addition, 7,7 cyclists and 7,6 pedestrians use smaller boats, known as catraias, to cross the river.
These numbers highlight the need for a more efficient and permanent alternative for mobility in the region.
Project Details
The tunnel will have three lanes in each direction, including an exclusive lane for Light Rail Vehicles (LRV).
There will also be dedicated passages for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring safety and accessibility for all users.
The predicted depth is 21 meters below sea level, using cutting-edge technology in the construction of underwater tunnels.
Investment and job creation
Financing for the project will be divided between the Government of São Paulo, the Federal Government and the private sector.
Of the total investment, 86% will come from public contributions, divided equally between the state and the Union.
The expectation is that the construction will generate around 9 thousand direct and indirect jobs, boosting the local and regional economy.
Next steps and timeline
The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) notice for the Santos-Guaruja Tunnel is scheduled to be published in the second quarter of 2025, with the auction scheduled for the second half of the same year.
The contract is expected to be signed in the fourth quarter of 2025, allowing construction to begin immediately.
The forecast is that the crossing between Santos and Guarujá can be made in less than five minutes after the tunnel is completed.
Impact on mobility and regional development
The construction of the tunnel promises to transform the transport dynamics in Baixada Santista, offering a fast and safe alternative for residents and visitors.
In addition to reducing travel time, the work should contribute to the economic development of the region, facilitating the flow of goods and people.
Governor Tarcísio de Freitas highlighted the importance of the project, stating that it meets a long-standing demand from residents and has the potential to boost the local economy.
Challenges and technical considerations
The construction of an underwater tunnel involves significant technical challenges, such as excavating trenches in the seabed, installing concrete slabs and assembling precast modules.
These modules will be built in dry docks and later positioned in their final location.
The depth of 21 meters and the submerged extension of 870 meters require meticulous planning and advanced technology to ensure the safety and durability of the structure.
Public participation and project adjustments
The project went through public hearings to collect contributions from society and experts.
In October 2024, a hearing in Guarujá discussed possible adjustments to the tunnel route to minimize expropriations and optimize financial viability.
Community participation is essential to ensure that the work meets local needs and causes the least possible impact on the urban areas involved.
future expectations
With the completion of the Santos-Guarujá Tunnel, a significant improvement in the quality of life of the inhabitants of Baixada Santista is expected.
Reducing travel time and offering a permanent alternative to ferries should make everyday life easier for thousands of people.
Furthermore, the work symbolizes an advance in the country's transport infrastructure, positioning Brazil as a pioneer in the construction of underwater tunnels in Latin America.
According to experts, the Santos-Guarujá Tunnel represents an innovative solution to a historic mobility problem in the region.
With significant investments and collaboration between different spheres of government and the private sector, the project has the potential to transform the logistics and economic development of Baixada Santista, meeting a long-standing demand from the population and bringing lasting benefits to the coast of São Paulo.
