The construction of Brazil's first underwater tunnel, connecting Santos to Guarujá, promises to transform mobility and logistics in the region. With an investment of R$6 billion, the project faces disagreements between the State Government and the Federal Government regarding the schedule.
It's not every day that a work promises to radically transform the urban mobility and also inaugurate a milestone in national engineering.
Imagine crossing the channel between Santos and Guarujá, in São Paulo, in just two minutes, instead of facing long waits for ferries.
However, the schedule for Brazil's first immersed tunnel, valued at almost R$6 billion, is still a matter of controversy between the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) and the Government of the State of São Paulo.
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According to updated information, the Government of São Paulo wants to launch the auction notice in February 2025, while the Union plans to publish it only in June.
The documentation, currently being analyzed by the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU), is the central point of the dispute.
Disagreements about the schedule
The State Secretary for Investment Partnerships, Rafael Benini, stated that the Government of São Paulo intends to request a waiver of the TCU analysis to speed up the process and make it possible to launch the notice in February.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Ports and Airports follows the original schedule and forwarded the project to the TCU at the end of 2024.
The court has until April to issue an opinion, which means that, if the federal schedule is maintained, the notice will only be published in June, with the competition scheduled to take place in August.
This impasse delays the start of one of the most anticipated works for the Baixada Santista region.
Project features
The tunnel, approximately 870 meters long, will be built in the waterway of the Port of Santos and will connect the regions of Outeirinhos and Macuco, in Santos, to the District of Vicente de Carvalho, in Guarujá.
This crossing, which currently depends on slow ferries, will be completed in just one and a half minutes using the new road system.
In addition to the six vehicle lanes, the project includes exclusive spaces for cyclists and pedestrians., ensuring greater security and accessibility.
Another innovation is the forecast of future integration with the Light Rail Vehicle (VLT), optimizing public transport in the region.
Partnership and financing
The project will be carried out through a public-private partnership (PPP). According to the Federal Government, the resources will be divided between the State Government, the Union and private investors.
According to the “Construction Time” portal, 86% of costs will be financed by public sources, equally divided between the State of São Paulo and the Federal Government.
The cooperation agreement was signed in February 2024, during an event that brought together the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans) at the headquarters of the Port Authority of Santos.
Two weeks later, the pact was formalized with the signing of the technical cooperation agreement (TCA).
Technology and inovation
The construction of the tunnel is a technical challenge that uses cutting-edge technologies.
Six concrete modules will be prefabricated in a dry dock, tested to ensure sealing and impermeability and then submerged and anchored in the canal bed.
High precision electronic systems will be used to ensure perfect alignment of the modules.
To protect the structure, a layer of stones will be applied over the tunnel, ensuring safety against impacts from vessels and other risks.
This innovative approach reflects the complexity and strategic importance of the project.
Impacts on mobility and the environment
The construction of the immersed tunnel promises not only to improve urban mobility, but also to bring significant environmental gains.
According to estimates, demand for ferries will be reduced by 70%, which will result in a 53% decrease in carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.
Integration with the VLT will also contribute to the sustainability of the region, making the project an example of modern and environmentally responsible infrastructure.
For residents and tourists, the change represents a more agile and cleaner future in Baixada Santista.
The future of Baixada Santista
More than a solution for the crossing between Santos and Guarujá, the immersed tunnel symbolizes a leap forward for regional development.
The project promises to decongest the Cônego Domênico Rangone Highway and optimize the flow of vessels in the Port of Santos, consolidating the local infrastructure as a model for other regions of the country.
However, the question remains: will the project be able to meet all the deadlines and promises made? Leave your opinion in the comments below.
Very important work for the entire port complex, if the “egos” are contained the work will go ahead, otherwise it will just be another unattainable plan.
If they couldn't do the World Cup works in Cuiabá, imagine an underwater tunnel. Another project to enrich some politicians.
Our country no longer reacts to anything, the people accept everything. And there are still politicians who leave here to humiliate themselves to Americans... who told everyone to their face that they need our country. Trash president.