Construction of the third lane on the Imigrantes Highway to begin in 2026, says Tarcísio de Freitas

The adjustments to the Santos–Guarujá immersed tunnel project, which led to the republication of the document last Tuesday (10), incorporate suggestions from international companies and are expected to ensure the success of the auction, scheduled for September 5. The explanation was given this Friday (13) by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) in Santos during a ceremony honoring the 262nd birthday of José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva in downtown Santos.

The changes increased the project cost from R$5.96 billion to R$6.8 billion. The international bidding, structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), will grant the winning bidder a 30-year contract for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the tunnel.

“Because this is a large-scale project, we conducted studies and submitted them to major global players that handle this type of operation to assess feasibility. Many improvements were suggested during the contribution phase. So, on September 5, we’ll know which consortium will carry out the work, so we can sign the contract and begin construction next year,” said the governor.

According to the state government, the new bidding notice makes the concession more attractive to the private sector, providing guarantees of predictability, economic and financial balance, and legal security. Key costs — such as concrete, dredging, and diaphragm walls — were reviewed, and the average transportation distance was reassessed to 85 km. Traffic projections were also updated.

Other changes include the creation of an expropriation fund, adjustments to risk allocation criteria — especially geological and interference-related — and temporary solutions for the Outeirinhos quay and the rail yard in Guarujá, ensuring port and logistics infrastructure remains operational during construction.

The tunnel
With a length of 1.5 kilometers — including 870 meters under the estuary channel — the tunnel will have three lanes in each direction: two for passenger cars, buses, and trucks and one dedicated to a Light Rail Vehicle (LRV). It will also include a gallery for pedestrians and cyclists.

Currently, the connection between Santos and Guarujá is made by ferries and small boats, which transport over 21,000 vehicles, 7,700 cyclists, and 7,600 pedestrians daily. The project is expected to generate around 9,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Restrictions on Tecon Santos 10 criticized
When asked about the concession of Tecon Santos 10, the governor stated he is against the restriction in the bidding process that prohibits participation by operators who already have assets in the Port of Santos, as determined by the National Waterway Transport Agency (Antaq). “It doesn’t make sense to justify it with competitiveness and then determine who can participate.”

He argued that “Tecon Santos 10’s hinterland is the entire Brazilian coast because the asset will be the hub for container movement in the South Atlantic,” which is essential in the integrated logistics of São Paulo’s ports. “A major shipping player might see a cluster connecting Santos and São Sebastião, with Santos as the deep-sea port and São Sebastião as the coastal feeder. When you restrict competition, you push away that kind of operation, which is harmful to the State of São Paulo. So, you’re removing Maersk, Santos Brasil, and DP World from the competition — the biggest players. That makes no sense,” he said. “The best option is a highly competitive auction. That’s good for Santos, São Paulo, and Brazil,” Tarcísio emphasized.

Tecon Santos 10 will occupy an area of 621,900 square meters at the Saboó quay, on the Right Bank of the Port of Santos. The planned investment is R$6.45 billion, with an operational capacity of 3.25 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) per year, along with 91,000 tonnes of general cargo.

The contract term is 25 years, with operations expected to start in 2026 and end in 2050. However, the agreement may be extended successively for up to 70 years.

Third-lane construction planned for next year
Also on Friday, Tarcísio de Freitas announced plans to begin construction of the third lane of the Imigrantes Highway in the second half of 2026. The basic and executive designs are being developed by Ecovias, the concessionaire of the Anchieta–Imigrantes System (SAI). The estimated investment is approximately R$6 billion, with completion expected by 2031.

“We’re in the project development phase — both basic and executive. We expect to obtain all licenses by mid-next year, which is when the projects are expected to be finalized. From the second half on, we’ll be ready to begin construction,” said the governor.

With an extension of 21.5 kilometers, the future lane will consist mainly of tunnels, totaling 17 kilometers (80% of the route), along with 4 kilometers of viaducts. One of the tunnels will be about six kilometers long, making it the largest structure of its kind in Brazil.

The lane will connect the Plateau to the Baixada Santista starting at km 43 of the Imigrantes Highway (SP-160), providing access via the Mario Covas Beltway (SP-021). In the coastal area, the connection will be at km 265 of the Cônego Domênico Rangoni Highway (SP-055), near the Cubatão Industrial Complex. The road will have an average incline of 4%, allowing for safe travel by heavy vehicles.

“This is a major investment that will significantly increase the system’s capacity to connect the Plateau to the Coast. The capacity for heavy vehicles will rise by over 140%,” he stressed.

Source: A Tribuna

Sharing is caring!