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With an expected investment of R$ 39.6 million, DER-SP launched a bid to readjust 174 open roundabouts on 73 non-concession state highways, reaching 107 municipalities in São Paulo with physical central islands, controlled returns, and improvements in signage.
DER-SP launched a bid to readjust 174 open roundabouts on non-concession state highways, with an expected investment of R$ 39.6 million. The measure reaches 107 municipalities and has works scheduled to start in 2026.
The intervention targets critical devices due to their higher risk of cross and side collisions. The proposal is to replace direct crossings with physical central islands, controlled returns, and road engineering solutions focused on safety.
The open roundabouts were created to allow returns and access at strategic points, especially near urban areas. However, with the increase in vehicle flow, this model has become discouraged in projects.
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São Paulo Government puts R$ 343 million on the table and releases 31 km of duplication, 9.84 km of third lanes, 4 reinforced viaducts, and 8 grade-separated returns.
Open roundabouts will be closed to reduce conflicts
In the current structures, vehicles traveling in opposite directions can cross the lane. This movement increases the risk when there is a speed difference between the flows and when long vehicles need more time to complete the maneuver.
The Director of Engineering at DER-SP, Thiago Moreira Ferreira, states that these intersections do not have physical separation between opposite lanes. With higher traffic and higher average speeds, the device has a high potential for accidents.
The readjustment plans include physical central islands, channeling movements, improving horizontal and vertical signage, and creating controlled returns. The goal is to increase visibility, organize maneuvers, and reduce serious conflicts.
Investment of R$ 39.6 million prioritizes critical points
The bid was launched on May 11 and proposals are expected to be opened in July. Part of the readjustments is expected to be delivered in 2026, as part of the São Paulo road network modernization program.
The selection of the 174 roundabouts was based on technical indicators, including the Standard Unit of Severity, used to prioritize locations with the greatest need for intervention. The survey classified the points as critical.
Among the 73 highways included, 11 have five or more roundabouts in the program. SP-225, SP-322, SP-463, and SP-563 each have eight. SP-249 and SP-425 have seven; SP-250 and SP-306 have six.
Also on the list are SP-381, SP-379, and SP-421, with five devices each. Among the most served municipalities are Lins, with six points, as well as Pirassununga and Capela do Alto, with five each.
Aguaí, Piracicaba, Capão Bonito, Pereira Barreto, Paulo de Faria, and Santa Bárbara d’Oeste each have four interventions. When reconfiguration is not possible, the guidance is to reinforce signage and adopt measures to reduce speed.
Why the change in roundabouts matters
On highways, safety depends on how vehicle flows meet. Intersections without physical separation can require quick decisions, especially when there is a speed difference between those crossing and those continuing on the road.
Therefore, solutions such as central islands, movement channeling, controlled returns, and clearer signage help organize traffic. The purpose of these changes is to reduce conflict points, improve road readability, and give drivers more reaction time, especially in sections near urban areas.
With information from agenciasp
