O Federal government and the State of São Paulo announced on Friday (2) an ambitious project that promises to transform mobility between the coastal cities of Santos and Guarujá: the first underwater tunnel in Latin America.
With a length of 850 meters, the work will be a technological and innovative milestone in the region. The tunnel will have three lanes in each direction, including one adapted for Light Rail Vehicles (VLT), a pedestrian crossing and a cycle path, totaling 1.5 km in length.
However, one of the main challenges faced will be the minimum depth of 21 meters, as the tunnel will pass under the Port of Santos channel.
The solution to this involves the construction of six pre-cast modules with reinforced concrete, which will be transported to the site without interrupting the flow of ships in Port.
Construction Details
The work, estimated at R$5.9 billion and the result of a public-private partnership (PPP), aims to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, alleviate traffic on the Cônego Domênio Rangoni Highway (SP-055) and prioritize the use of the port channel for cargo and passenger ships.
Despite the recent announcement, the discussion about the construction of this tunnel is more than 100 years old and has undergone several reformulations.
The inauguration is expected to take place in 2028, with bidding and construction scheduled to begin between 2024 and 2025.
Video explains more about the project – Video: YouTube/Reproduction
According to projections by the Santos Port Authority, the crossing between the two cities will be reduced to 1 minute and 42 seconds, compared to the current 60 minutes by road and 18 to 60 minutes via ferry.
In addition to improving mobility, the tunnel will allow integration with the future Guarujá Regional Airport.
However, the initiative faces challenges logistical and technological issues, and the relocation of 700 families living in port areas is planned.
Despite the obstacles, the construction of the underwater tunnel promises to be a game-changer in the region’s infrastructure, providing significant benefits for the population and local development.
