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Third Lane on Highway Will Bring Brazil’s Largest Road Tunnel. The project includes 21.5 km in length, with 17 km of tunnels and 6 km in the largest of them. The work will facilitate cargo transport, access to an important location, and boost the regional economy.
Descending the Serra do Mar is a memorable experience for many drivers traveling on the highways of the state of São Paulo.
However, a new project promises to transform this journey with a monumental impact.
Imagine the construction of the largest road tunnel in the country, integrating innovations and resources that have redefined the transport of cargo and passengers between the plateau and the coast of São Paulo.
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Brazil’s ‘best-planned’ city has 368,000 inhabitants, a 99% schooling rate, an ecological park with 111 hectares, avenues up to 70 meters wide, and a routine with commutes under 30 minutes.
This work is not just an engineering ambition, but also a strategy to boost the national economy.
On January 10, 2025, the government of the state of São Paulo announced the expansion of the Rodovia dos Imigrantes, including a third lane that will house the new 6-kilometer tunnel, becoming the largest in Brazil.
With a total route of 21.5 km, with 17 km through tunnels, this infrastructure emerges as a solution to meet the growing flow of vehicles and improve access to the Baixada Santista.
Innovative Features
The new lane of the Rodovia dos Imigrantes will be equipped with three lanes, a shoulder, and a reversible structure to accommodate seasonal traffic demands, such as long holidays.
The route will start at kilometer 43, in São Bernardo do Campo, and extend to kilometer 265 of the Cônego Domênico Rangoni Highway, in Cubatão.
This direct connection will benefit the Industrial Hub of Cubatão, the port terminals of Santos and Guarujá, as well as access to the region’s beaches.
The largest tunnel, measuring exactly 5,940 meters, will be accompanied by parallel tunnels designed for emergencies and maintenance.
According to the São Paulo government, ventilation towers, exhaust fans, and internal accesses will be installed to improve climate control, reduce gas emissions, and expedite assistance to vehicles in breakdown or accident situations.
Impact on Cargo Transport
One of the greatest advantages of the new lane is its ramp with a 4% slope, allowing the circulation of trucks and buses.
Currently, the second lane of the Rodovia dos Imigrantes is restricted to light vehicles, limiting the flow of goods.
With this change, cargo transport between the plateau and the coast will be more efficient and safer, meeting the logistical demands of the Port of Santos, the largest in Latin America.
Comparison with the Rodovia dos Tamoios
Until now, the largest road tunnel in the country is the so-called “Tunnel 3/4”, on the Rodovia dos Tamoios, with 5,555 meters. Located in the Vale do Paraíba, it connects the plateau to the northern coast of São Paulo.
However, the new project on the Rodovia dos Imigrantes will surpass this mark, bringing an even more robust infrastructure.
The technology planned for the Imigrantes tunnel is expected to be similar to that used on the Rodovia dos Tamoios, including ventilation systems, emission control, and emergency access points.
The difference is that the Imigrantes tunnel will be unique in its segment, while the “Tunnel 3/4” consists of two tunnels interconnected by a viaduct.
Regional Benefits
The work will have direct impacts on the regional economy, facilitating access to important logistical and tourist hubs.
The Industrial Hub of Cubatão, which concentrates large-scale industries, and the port terminals of Santos and Guarujá will benefit from the improvement in cargo and passenger transport.
Furthermore, the new structure promises to reduce travel time and fuel consumption, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable operation.
For tourists, access to the beaches of Guarujá and Bertioga will be facilitated, boosting the tourism sector.
Deadline and Expectation
Scheduled for completion in 2026, the work is already generating expectations. The state government assures that the new lane will be delivered on time, with all required safety and quality standards.
According to experts, the project could set a new benchmark for road infrastructure in Brazil, serving as a model for future initiatives.
Now it is time to wait and see how this transformation will impact transport and the regional economy. Do you believe that this work is sufficient to meet the growing logistical demand of the state of São Paulo? Leave your opinion in the comments!
Tem que fazer pista entre o Rodoanel e litoral sul entre Itanhaém e Peruíbe pois acho que seria melhor que lá