The São Paulo State Government and the Brazilian Federal Government, through the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), officially formalized an agreement last Wednesday (12/02) to enable the construction of the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel.
As part of this milestone, the project tendering documentation will be published on February 27th, with the auction scheduled to take place on August 1st, on what is expected to be Latin’s America largest immersed tunnel.
A significant Investment in infrastructure to address a a Long-Standing Demand
With an estimated investment of R$ 6 billion (circa USD 1 Billion), this will be Brazil’s first submerged tunnel and the largest of its kind in Latin America. The project aims to enhance safety and efficiency in transportation between Santos and Guarujá.
It is part of the State of São Paulo’s Investment Partnership Program (PPI-SP), a large program focused on public-private partnership initiatives for São Paulo state. It represents the largest infrastructure project under the new Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).
Suggested Reading: Public Private Partnerships (PPPs): What are they? How they Work?
“This is a project that the Baixada Santista population has awaited for decades. The immersed tunnel will reduce ferry queues, improve urban mobility, and enhance logistics efficiency at the Port of Santos, strengthening the region’s economy” says Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.
The executive project was developed by the São Paulo State Government to address a long-standing demand from the Baixada Santista region. Currently, over 21,000 vehicles cross between the two margins daily using ferries and small boats, along with 7,700 cyclists and 7,600 pedestrians. The new tunnel will enable the crossing in just a few minutes, reducing congestion and optimizing logistics at the Port of Santos.
The new Tunnel will enhance Urban Mobility and Logistics around Port of Santos
“We are bringing to life a project that the region’s residents have awaited for almost a century. In addition to improving urban mobility and the quality of life for those who need to travel across Baixada Santista, the tunnel will facilitate the flow of goods from the Port of Santos by helping to separate port-related traffic from urban traffic. Furthermore, it will strengthen port infrastructure and contribute to job creation and economic growth nationwide” highlights the Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho.
Technical Specifications of the Tunnel
The tunnel will extend 1.5 km in total length, with 870 meters submerged. It will feature three traffic lanes in each direction, one of which will be dedicated to the Light Rail Vehicle (VLT). Additionally, the tunnel will accommodate pedestrian and cyclist crossings (more details in the video below – in Portuguese).
