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Improvement Works on Washington Luís Highway May Affect Traffic in the Region and Require Extra Attention from Drivers in the Coming Months, with Changes Scheduled for Several Phases of the Intervention.
Starting next Monday, April 28, 2025, the Ecovias Noroeste Paulista concessionaire will begin the works for the implementation of third lanes on the Washington Luís Highway (SP-310).
The intervention, which will affect part of the highway section in the São José do Rio Preto region in the interior of São Paulo, promises to improve traffic flow and increase road safety.
The work will begin at kilometer 451+800 meters of the southbound lane, in the municipality of Mirassol, also located in the interior of São Paulo.
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Project Objective and Traffic Impact
This first phase of the work is scheduled to take place between the end of April and the end of May 2025.
During this period, rigid concrete barriers, known as New Jersey, will be installed between kilometers 451+800m and 449+300m, in both directions of the highway.
The barriers, which primarily aim to organize traffic and enhance safety for both drivers and construction workers, will enable the construction of the third lanes in the central median of the road.
The installation of the New Jersey barriers will require the closure of lane 1 (the furthest left lane) throughout the works.
The lane closures will occur during the daytime, from Monday to Thursday, from 7 AM to 5 PM, and on Fridays, from 7 AM to 4 PM.
If the work extends into the weekend, the closure will occur from 7 AM to 5 PM, with the schedule subject to changes as necessary.
Traffic Management and Safety Measures
The Ecovias concessionaire adopts various traffic management measures to minimize the impacts of the closures.
Among the planned actions is the proper signage to inform drivers about the temporary traffic changes and ensure that the flow in the unaffected lanes continues without interruption.
Additionally, any temporary closures will be conducted in a controlled manner and communicated in advance to highway users.
The safety of everyone involved in the construction is a priority for Ecovias.
Therefore, the concessionaire advises drivers to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead and reduce speed when approaching construction signage.
Moreover, it is essential that users plan their trips and check, daily, the work schedule on the official channels of the concessionaire to avoid inconveniences.
Extent of Works and Project Details
The expansion project of the Washington Luís Highway also includes a series of structural improvements in São José do Rio Preto and neighboring cities.
Among the main interventions are the construction of 15.8 kilometers of marginal roads in São José do Rio Preto, in the section between kilometers 436 and 444, as well as other interventions in Cedral and Mirassol.
Furthermore, the implementation of 26.3 kilometers of third lanes between kilometers 428 and 452 is planned, encompassing both directions of the highway.
Among the improvements is also the redesign of the junction interchange between the Washington Luís Highway and the Transbrasiliana Highway (BR-153).
New ramps and return viaducts will be implemented, allowing for better connectivity and traffic flow.
Additionally, the project aims to improve access to the city of São José do Rio Preto, ensuring more safety and comfort for drivers.
The installation of the third lanes will largely take place in the central median of the highway, thus minimizing the need for land acquisitions along the sides of the road.
This aspect is crucial for preserving the urban environment and reducing the costs of project execution.
The additional lanes will enhance traffic, especially during peak hours, and allow the highway to accommodate the increasing flow of vehicles, which has risen in recent years due to the economic development of the region.
Pavement Recovery and Execution Schedule
Another significant part of the project is the recovery of the pavement throughout the entire length of the highway.
This work, which will be carried out along the concessioned section, follows the contractual schedule established between the concessionaire and the São Paulo State Transportation Agency (ARTESP).
The pavement recovery is essential to ensure greater durability and safety on the highway, as well as to provide a better comfort for drivers who use the road daily.
Impact on Drivers’ Daily Routine
With the closures and altered traffic flow, drivers will need to pay attention to the temporary signage and the lane closure times.
Although the impact on daily travel should be minimized, it is always advisable for drivers to plan their routes in advance.
Route changes and the need for adjustments to travel time should be considered by those who frequently use the highway.
Moreover, it is important that drivers comply with safety regulations while the works are in progress.
Reducing speed, combined with extra attention during traffic near the construction site, is crucial to avoid accidents and ensure the safety of all.
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