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Billion-Dollar Project Transforms Mobility on the Paulista Coast and Creates Opportunities for Local Workers
A milestone for national infrastructure was confirmed in September 2025. The construction of the immersed tunnel between Santos and Guarujá, in São Paulo, is already generating jobs and investments. Furthermore, the project is part of the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) and promises to change the reality of the region.
The City Hall of Guarujá announced one thousand job openings. Thus, it reinforces the importance of the project that is set to transform urban mobility while simultaneously stimulating the economy for decades.
Worker Selection Ensures Community Inclusion
According to the City Hall, the Guarujá More Opportunities and Jobs Program opened 600 openings for masonry workers and 400 for general service assistants. In addition, all positions require proven experience, which values already qualified professionals.
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To ensure transparency, the pre-selection took place on September 18 and 19, 2025. The chosen location was the Guaibê Gymnasium, located at Avenida Santos Dumont, 420, Santo Antônio neighborhood, between 9 AM and 4 PM.
Candidates had to present a copy of their ID, proof of residence, and an updated resume. As a result, the City Hall confirmed that workers will be hired in November 2025, ensuring a quick start to operations.
Management and Execution Structure of the Project
The Secretariat of Economic and Port Development (Sedep) received the documents. It then forwarded them to the human resources company contracted by Mota-Engil, the Portuguese contractor that won the bid.
The company will be responsible for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the tunnel. Additionally, the construction site will be installed in the Vicente de Carvalho District in Guarujá, in an area to be defined by the company itself.
Billion-Dollar Investment and Defined Deadlines
The contract stipulates 30 years of duration and a total investment of R$ 6.8 billion. Of this amount, R$ 1.78 billion will be provided by Mota-Engil. On the other hand, the federal and state governments will finance R$ 5.14 billion, consolidating public support.
Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2025 with a maximum deadline of five years. Therefore, authorities expect the connection to be completed by the end of 2030, ensuring efficiency and compliance with the goals.
Unprecedented Structure in Brazil
The tunnel will be 1.5 km long, with 870 meters submerged. This will make it the first immersed tunnel in Brazil. The project will have three lanes in each direction, as well as space for the Light Vehicle on Rails (VLT). Similarly, it will include bicycle lanes and exclusive pedestrian crossings.
Thanks to this configuration, the crossing between Santos and Guarujá will decrease from 40 minutes to just five minutes. Thus, regional integration will be strengthened, and urban mobility will gain unprecedented efficiency.
Expected Economic and Social Impacts
Experts from the Growth Acceleration Program state that the tunnel is expected to boost tourism, expedite cargo transport, and improve the lives of those who depend on the daily crossing. Additionally, there will be a direct stimulus to the local economy.
Another important aspect is the generation of direct and indirect jobs, which will have an immediate impact. In the medium term, the new infrastructure is expected to increase the competitiveness of the Port of Santos, the largest in Latin America.
The Project in National Perspective
The tunnel will be the largest PAC undertaking. Therefore, the Federal Government reinforces the strategy of investing in large projects to stimulate economic and social growth.
For the involved governments, the connection is not just a roadwork. On the contrary, it is an investment capable of transforming the dynamics of the paulista coast.
The Future of the Santos Guarujá Connection
The consolidation of the immersed tunnel represents a turning point for urban mobility in São Paulo. However, the challenge will be to meet the schedule, maintain quality, and ensure lasting benefits.
What do you think? Will the immersed tunnel between Santos and Guarujá be just a mobility project or can it become an economic landmark for the entire region?
GOSTARIA DE TRABALHAR NO TÚNEL DE SANTOS/GUARUJA SP
Pois, sou Engº Seg. Trabalho com muita experiência em construção civil.