On the morning of February 27, 2025, a car was stolen at the toll plaza located at kilometer 20 of the Imigrantes Highway in Diadema, São Paulo. The incident occurred as the driver was stopping to pay the toll when two assailants approached, forced the driver out, and fled with personal belongings. Fortunately, one passenger managed to escape through the back door during the theft.
According to Ecovias, the concessionaire responsible for the Anchieta-Imigrantes Highway system, immediate support was provided to the victims, assisting them to safety until police arrived. Following the incident, the abandoned vehicle was located and retrieved by authorities at kilometer 23 of the highway. A spokesperson from Ecovias emphasized their collaboration with the Military Highway Police and the investment made to upgrade their monitoring system, which now includes over 300 cameras operating round-the-clock.
This unsettling incident occurs amid efforts to improve highway infrastructure. On February 17, 2025, Ecovias commenced construction work for the replacement of rigid pavement on the northern lane of the Imigrantes Highway, spanning between kilometers 58 and 40. These works are part of an extensive revitalization plan set for 2025 aimed at modernizing and maintaining the roadways to guarantee enhanced safety and comfort for motorists.
The decision to replace the concrete pavement stems from natural wear and tear observed over time. Rigid pavement is commonly preferred in high-traffic highways because of its durability and resistance. To mitigate the impacts on traffic flow during construction, Ecovias has planned interventions without complete lane closures, utilizing alternating lane detours throughout the week, both day and night.
Fernanda Meireles, the engineering manager at Ecovias, explained, "The replacement of the rigid pavement is necessary to keep the highway in ideal conditions, especially on such a high-traffic section of the road. With the use of quick-curing concrete, we can significantly reduce the closure time without compromising quality and durability, providing increased safety and comfort to drivers." This special concrete allows traffic to resume approximately 12 hours after application, as opposed to the traditional method, which typically takes about 72 hours to cure.
Meanwhile, additional pavement repairs were also initiated at the bridge at kilometer 28 on the central lane of the Via Anchieta, heading toward the coast. This emergency work was prompted by the discovery of anomalies within the reinforced concrete structure, with the primary goal being to preserve the integrity of the bridge and bolster safety for motorists.
The construction work on the Via Anchieta will necessitate partial lane closures, redirecting traffic to the marginal lane from February 18 to 20 to avoid congestion during peak hours. Another project to improve safety at the connection between the Padre Manoel da Nóbrega access to the Imigrantes Highway at kilometer 274 is also scheduled for the coming weeks. This initiative aims to increase safety at this busy junction, improving the overall traffic flow between these key arteries.
Fernanda Meireles concluded, "These actions are part of a comprehensive maintenance plan for 2025, which includes both preventive and corrective actions to maintain road quality and increase traffic safety." With various improvements planned, the Ecovias aimed to maintain smooth operations through strategic constructions and repairs.
On another note, concerning public safety during roadside emergencies, the EcoRodovias has introduced the "Movimento Afaste-se" (Move Away Movement), aimed at protecting professionals providing medical assistance during accidents. This initiative encourages drivers to avoid approaching accident scenes to preserve safety for both the operators and other road users.
Operating under the oversight of the State Regulatory Transport Agency (Artesp), EcoRodovias manages the main link between São Paulo Metropolitan Region and Baixada Santista through the Anchieta-Imigrantes system. The upcoming infrastructure projects signify not only public safety priorities but also the commitment to continual improvement as traffic on these highways remains consistently high.
To discuss traffic and those innovations, Marcio Vono, the traffic coordinator from Ecovias, recently spoke during an interview on Rádio Bandeirantes. He remarked, "Currently, we are implementing the uphill operation to facilitate the flow of cars toward the capital," addressing the immediate traffic flow management measures being put in place during these construction times.