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An Underwater Inspection Revealed a Shift in the Foundation of the Bridge Over the Casqueiro River, Leading the DER to Completely Close the Structure that Connects Santos and Cubatão. Drivers Face Detours and Changes in Traffic While Technical Teams Assess the Damage and Plan Emergency Repairs to Ensure the Safety of Highway Users.
On the São Paulo coast, where mobility depends on important road connections, any interruption in the traffic flow can cause significant disruptions.
One of these crucial connections, the bridge over the Casqueiro River, located on the Caminho do Mar Highway (SP-148), has been closed due to structural risks detected in a technical inspection.
The authorities’ decision seeks to preserve the safety of drivers, but it is already affecting the daily routine of those traveling between Santos and Cubatão.
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Structural Risk Leads to Closure
On the night of Monday, February 24, 2025, the Department of Highways (DER) determined the total closure of the bridge over the Casqueiro River, at km 58+900 of the Caminho do Mar Highway (SP-148), which connects Santos and Cubatão.
The measure was taken after an underwater inspection identified a shift in the foundation of the structure, compromising its stability.
According to DER technicians, the risk of collapse made the closure unavoidable, being adopted as a preventive measure to avoid accidents.
The inspection revealed that part of the bridge’s pillars had suffered significant shifting, a problem that can be exacerbated by factors such as river currents, soil erosion, and the impact of heavy loads traveling on the highway.
In light of this scenario, the closure was deemed the best alternative to ensure user safety.
Measures Taken by the DER
With the closure in effect, technical teams from the DER are already mobilized to complete structural studies and define the necessary corrective actions.
The work involves detailed analyses of the soil, pillars, and the structure as a whole in order to determine the best solution to the problem.
While the study is not finalized, there is no defined timeframe for the reopening of the bridge.
The agency also emphasizes the importance of drivers and pedestrians adhering to the signage in the area and following the instructions from the operation teams who monitor the closed area to prevent unauthorized access.
Civil engineering specialists warn that, in situations like this, the continued use of the structure can accelerate its wear, increasing risks.
Traffic Impacts and Alternatives for Drivers
The closure of the bridge over the Casqueiro River directly affects those who rely on the Caminho do Mar Highway (SP-148) to travel between Santos and Cubatão.
Drivers who used the road need to resort to alternative routes, which have been disclosed by the DER to minimize the impacts of the traffic interruption.
For those traveling from Santos to Cubatão, the recommendation is:
- From km 59+500, in the Jardim Piratininga neighborhood, access SP-150 (Via Anchieta);
- Use the return at km 60 of Via Anchieta;
- Return to SP-148 until the Vila dos Pescadores in Cubatão.
For drivers making the opposite journey, from Cubatão to Santos, the suggested route is:
- From the Vila dos Pescadores, follow SP-148 towards Cubatão to the return at km 57+000;
- Access the Rubens Paiva Viaduct and continue along the right margin of Via Anchieta, towards Santos;
- Cross the Deputy Mariângela Duarte Bridge and make the return to access SP-148 again, arriving at the Piratininga neighborhood.
Although the alternative routes reduce the impacts of the closure, drivers report increased travel time and congestion at the access points to Via Anchieta, especially during peak hours.
Concerns About Road Infrastructure
The situation of the bridge over the Casqueiro River rekindles concerns about the maintenance of road infrastructure in the state of São Paulo.
Experts highlight that many bridges and viaducts in the country were built decades ago and require constant maintenance to prevent structural failures.
The need for investment in the recovery and modernization of highways has been a recurring topic among authorities and engineers.
The closure of a vital bridge for regional traffic reinforces the urgency of preventive actions and continuous monitoring of these structures.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
With technical studies underway, the expectation is that the DER will present a plan for the necessary repairs to the bridge in the coming days.
There is still no forecast for the reopening of the road, which means that drivers must adapt to the alternative routes for an indefinite period.
The closure of the bridge over the Casqueiro River serves as a warning for the need for constant oversight and maintenance of critical infrastructures.
While repairs have not yet started, the recommendation is for users to stay alert for updates from the authorities and plan their travels considering the existing detours.
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