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Rodoanel Norte: The most complex highway in Brazil faces challenges and criticism
After more than two decades of hard work and ongoing challenges, the Rodoanel Mário Covas, one of the most ambitious infrastructure works in Brazil, is heading towards the completion of its last section: the Rodoanel Norte. This segment, 44 km long, is crucial for the completion of the project that promises to transform traffic in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. But will this long-awaited work really deliver the promised benefits?
O Rodoanel Norte Construction began 26 years ago and faced several obstacles, from environmental issues to bureaucratic and economic obstacles. Now, on the verge of its official inauguration, the highway promises to revolutionize traffic in São Paulo, reducing congestion and efficiently connecting several highways that converge on the capital.
Rodoanel Norte is part of a ring road that surrounds the metropolitan region of São Paulo
The work, begun in 1998, is a tribute to Mário Covas, governor at the time and one of the project's creators. O Rodoanel Norte It is part of a ring road that surrounds the metropolitan region of São Paulo, totaling 176 km divided into four sections: West, South, East and, finally, North. Each section was opened at different times: the West in 2002, the South in 2010, and the East in 2014.
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Scheduled for 2026
The completion of the Rodoanel Norte is scheduled for 2026, marking the completion of a monumental work that not only reflects the complexity of modern engineering, but also the commitment to urban development and sustainable mobility. The expectation is that the new highway will significantly reduce daily traffic on the Tietê and Pinheiros roads, with an estimated 30.000 trucks and 54.000 fewer cars per day.
Discovery of 1.291 construction flaws indicates the road still faces significant challenges
However, the trajectory of Rodoanel Norte is far from perfect. Problems with financing, bidding and, most recently, the discovery of 1.291 construction flaws indicate that the road still faces significant challenges. The Institute for Technological Research (IPT) reported infiltrations in tunnels, landslides and cracks in viaducts, demanding urgent action to guarantee the safety and quality of the work.
Transoceanic in Rio de Janeiro
The complexity of the Rodoanel Norte recalls projects such as Transoceânica in Rio de Janeiro, which also faced urban and environmental challenges. Both works highlight the need for ingenious solutions to minimize negative impacts, whether environmental or social. In case of Rodoanel Norte, the passage through Serra da Cantareira required the construction of tunnels to preserve areas of Atlantic forest.
Great expectations are that the Rodoanel Norte finally bring the benefits
With completion scheduled for 2026, the great expectation is that the Rodoanel Norte finally bring the long-awaited benefits to traffic and urban mobility in São Paulo. The integration of this highway promises to alleviate the city's central roads, redistributing the flow of vehicles more efficiently.
However, São Paulo residents, tired of unfulfilled promises and constant delays, look on with skepticism and hope. The ability to Rodoanel Norte Delivering on its promises without compromising safety and the environment is yet to be proven. This highway, which is considered the most complex highway in Brazil, needs to not only be completed, but also function efficiently and safely.
O Rodoanel Norte is a clear example of the challenges that large infrastructure projects face in Brazil. Complexity, delays and criticism are an integral part of this journey. It remains to be seen whether, in the end, this work will fulfill its role and bring the promised benefits, justifying the long wait and the investments made over almost three decades.
