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São Paulo Drivers Face New Developments With 18 New Tollbooths and Road Concessions Promising Modernization and Safety, But Also Generating Criticism and Concerns. The Implementation of the Automatic Toll System (Free Flow) and Works Such as Road Duplications Divide Opinions.
If you are a driver in São Paulo, get ready for a change that promises to impact your route and your wallet.
A new road concession project is set to transform the Sorocabana Route into one of the most impactful road ventures in the state.
But what does this mean for those who use the roads daily? There will be 18 new tolls and billion-dollar investments.
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However, the promise of improvements comes with concerns about costs and environmental impacts.
Sorocabana Route Concession: What’s at Stake
The Sorocabana Route, which includes 460 kilometers of roadways, is the focus of the concession project recently published by the São Paulo government.
According to the notice, the auction for this concession is scheduled for October 30, 2025, and proposals can be submitted until the 25th of the same month.
The main goal is to transfer the administration of highways currently managed by the Department of Highways (DER) to the private sector.
Among them is the SP-79, a road that connects the Sorocaba region to BR-116, passing through areas of great environmental relevance, such as the Serra do Mar.
According to the government, the 30-year concession envisions an investment of R$ 8.7 billion, which will be allocated to road duplications, construction of access roads, and other works aimed at improving road infrastructure in 17 cities.
The concession also incorporates segments managed by CCR Viaoeste, whose contract ends in 2025.
Planned Investments and Improvements
Among the highlights of the project is the duplication of the Bunjiro Nakao Highway in the section between Vargem Grande Paulista and Ibiúna, which was the subject of a recent bid worth R$ 152.5 million.
This investment is also expected to benefit the Piedade region, with significant improvements.
Another road included is the João Leme dos Santos Highway, which will have new duplicated sections in Salto de Pirapora.
The SP-79, in turn, will receive important interventions between Salto and Juquiá, aiming to enhance safety, especially in the mountainous section between Tapiraí and Juquiá, known for sharp curves and difficulties for articulated vehicles.
The project also includes improvements such as the construction of escape ramps, shoulders, and additional lanes on climbs.
However, since most of these works will take place in environmentally protected areas, licensing will depend on strict approval, as the Atlantic Forest biome is protected by federal laws and recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
The Impact of New Tollbooths
With the implementation of the 18 new tolls, the automatic payment system — known as free flow — will be a new feature.
This model, which eliminates traditional toll plazas, will use gantries to calculate fees based on the distance traveled.
The anticipated prices range from R$ 0.86 to R$ 12.20 per section, with charges in both directions.
According to the Investment Partnerships Secretariat (SPI), the technology offers more speed and safety to the driver, in addition to reducing traffic impact.
New Concession for Raposo Tavares
Another ongoing project is the concession for the Nova Raposo lot, which will include significant works on the Raposo Tavares Highway between the capital and Cotia.
Currently managed by the DER, the section will gain six new automatic toll gantries and will require around R$ 7.1 billion in investments.
The planned works include the construction of access roads and viaducts, but they face criticism from environmentalists and local residents.
Concerns include expropriations, interventions in parks and green areas, and potential social impacts.
Even with changes to the original project, the government has assured that the most relevant works will be maintained.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite the promises of improvements, the project faces resistance. Environmentalists warn of the negative impacts on protected areas of the Serra do Mar and the urban sections of Raposo Tavares.
Additionally, the increase in transportation costs worries drivers and truckers who rely on the roads daily.
According to experts, the transition to a private concession model brings benefits, such as greater efficiency in road management.
However, they emphasize that it is crucial to ensure that the planned investments are fulfilled and that tolls remain fair for users.
How Does This Affect You?
With so many new developments and transformations on the horizon, drivers need to prepare for new costs and changes in how they use the highways.
The automatic toll system promises to make everyday life easier, but also raises questions about its effectiveness and financial impact.
What do you think about this wave of concessions and the new tolls in São Paulo? Leave your opinion in the comments: are the improvements worth the cost?
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