The SAI (Sistema Anchieta-Imigrantes) is already experiencing significant traffic heading toward the coast on the afternoon of Friday, February 28, which precedes the Carnival holiday. According to Ecovias, as of 2 PM, the Via Anchieta reports slow traffic from kilometers 38 to 40 heading toward the coast, and the Rodovia dos Imigrantes shows congestion from kilometers 39 to 43. The C1ongo Dom1nico Rangoni is also congested toward Guaruj1, from kilometers 265 to 248, all due to the high volume of vehicles. Ecovias recommends trucks and heavy vehicles bound for S1 Paulo to use the mountain stretch of Via Anchieta. The weather remains good with high visibility. Currently, the SAI is operating under Normal Operation (5x5), with descent via the south lanes of both highways, and the ascent takes place on the north lanes.
Since midnight on Friday the 28th, over 40.7 thousand vehicles have traveled downhill toward Baixada Santista. Meanwhile, there have been more than 17.1 thousand vehicles heading toward S1 Paulo. Just within the last hour, over 5.3 thousand vehicles have moved down, with more than 1.8 thousand on the way back up.
Motorists heading down the mountain toward the coast encounter long lines on this day. Ecovias predicts up to 442 thousand vehicles will travel along the roads toward the Baixada Santista during this period. By approximately 5 PM, congestion was noted on the Via Anchieta from kilometers 51 to 54, and on the Rodovia dos Imigrantes from kilometers 45 to 43, and again from kilometers 67 to 70 heading toward the coast. At the same time, the C1ongo Dom1nico Rangoni reported congestion from kilometers 270 to 260 and the Padre Manoel da N2brega from kilometers 274 to 270.
The SAI is currently under Descent Operation (7x3), where the descent happens on the north and south lanes of the Via Anchieta and the south lane of the Rodovia dos Imigrantes, with all ascent occurring exclusively on the north lane of the Imigrantes. Since midnight, over 58.2 thousand vehicles have come down to the coast with over 22.8 thousand moving toward S1 Paulo.
With estimates stating between 287 thousand and 442 thousand vehicles expected to travel to the coast between February 28 and March 5, Ecovias has ramped up personnel and crafted special operations for traffic management, all with the oversight of the São Paulo State Transportation Agency (Artesp) and the support of the State Highway Police. The company is preparing for increased traffic on several specific dates. The peak flow is expected on February 28 from 7 AM to 11:59 PM, March 1 from 12 AM to 9 PM, and March 2 from 7 AM to 1 PM, at which point the Descent Operation (7x3) will be active. During this operation, vehicles will take the north and south lanes of the Via Anchieta and the south lane of the Rodovia dos Imigrantes to descend toward the coast. The ascent will solely be via the north lane of the Imigrantes.
Following this, the concession will see increased traffic back toward S1 Paulo on March 3 from 3 PM to 10 PM and on March 4 from 9 AM to 11 PM when the Upward Operation (2x8) will take place. Under these conditions, vehicles will be able to ascend the mountain on both the north and south lanes of the Imigrantes, alongside the north lane of the Via Anchieta. The south lane of Anchieta will solely be used for descent.
On Wednesday, March 5, the Normal Operation (5x5) will take place, where vehicles will descend via the south lanes of both high-ways and ascend on the north lanes.
To prepare for this surge of holiday travelers, the Municipal Government of Santos expects over 350 thousand tourists will arrive for the Carnival, with hotel occupancy rates projected to reach 60% according to the Santos Tourism Secretariat (Setur) as of February 26.
The State Civil Defense has also issued alerts for high temperatures throughout the state during the Carnival holiday, particularly affecting the Baixada Santista and the Vale do Ribeira, with forecasts indicating temperatures could peak at 34°C. The metropolitan area of S1 Paulo, including Santos, may see thermometers rise to 31°C. Despite the heat warnings, meteorologists have not ruled out the chance of sudden heavy rain showers accompanied by lightning, hail, and wind gusts.
To facilitate the flow of traffic and reinforce safety measures, the Ecovias plans to implement special operations and increase manpower on the roads. During high-traffic periods, the company will also enforce visibility operations with strategically placed vehicles to monitor the areas. They will also support the 'Stay Away' movement to increase safety for road rescue teams and other emergency services. Various amenities will be provided along the routes, including 73 service vehicles—such as traffic inspection pickups, ambulance units, and heavy-duty tow trucks—ready to assist road users.
For smoother service at tolls, motorists may use debit and credit cards now and all toll booths will be operational during peak hours. The concession emphasizes obeying posted speed limits, maintaining safe following distances, and avoiding distractions such as mobile device usage to prevent accidents. For traffic conditions or assistance, drivers can use Ecovias' 24-hour WhatsApp service at 0800 019 7878, the dedicated website for SOS Ecovias, and emergency phones at every kilometer along the routes.
With comprehensive planning and adherence to safety guidelines, motorists are prepared to enjoy Carnival with greater ease and security on the roads.