As the Easter and Tiradentes holiday approaches, the roads leading from São Paulo to the coastal regions are expected to experience significant traffic congestion. The Ecovias Imigrantes, which manages the Anchieta-Imigrantes System (SAI), estimates that between 274,000 and 421,000 vehicles will head towards Baixada Santista from April 17 to April 22, 2025. To manage this influx, special traffic operations will be implemented to ensure safety and fluidity on the highways.
Starting from 1 PM on Thursday, April 17, traffic will begin to build towards the coast, with a further increase anticipated on Friday, April 18, from 6 PM. During this peak period, the Ecovias will activate the "Operation Descent," allowing drivers to use the North and South lanes of Via Anchieta and the South lane of Rodovia dos Imigrantes for descent to the coast. The ascent back to São Paulo will be restricted to the North lane of Imigrantes.
On the return journey, traffic is expected to peak on Sunday, April 20, from 3 PM to 11:59 PM, and on Monday, April 21, from 7 AM to 11:59 PM. During these times, "Operation Ascent" will be in effect, permitting drivers to ascend via the North and South lanes of Imigrantes and the North lane of Via Anchieta, while descent will be limited to the South lane of Anchieta.
In addition to these operations, the Ecovias may implement a "3rd Lane Operation" on the Cônego Domênico Rangoni highway, extending the shoulder lane to serve as an additional traffic lane over a stretch of 2 kilometers. This will be in effect from the junction with the Rio-Santos highway to the toll plaza, should the need arise due to traffic conditions.
To enhance the experience for travelers, the Ecovias Imigrantes has made provisions for toll payments via debit and credit cards in all manual toll booths. During peak hours, toll plazas will operate at maximum capacity. The Cônego Domênico Rangoni highway will also have flexible toll booth operations that can shift between manual and automatic systems based on traffic demands.
The toll rates for various vehicle types on the highways are as follows:
For safety, the Ecovias will also conduct other operations aimed at enhancing road safety. During the holiday, the "Visibility Operation" will deploy operational vehicles at strategic points along the highways. This is part of a broader initiative called "Movement Away," which encourages drivers to keep their distance from emergency and maintenance teams responding to accidents. The aim is to protect not only the professionals involved but also the traveling public.
During the holiday period, the Ecovias Imigrantes will have 72 vehicles on standby, including traffic inspection pickups, ambulances, quick response vehicles, and heavy-duty tow trucks, including an all-electric tow truck for light vehicles. This extensive fleet is designed to ensure prompt assistance in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Ecovias Raposo Castello, overseeing the SP-270 Rodovia Raposo Tavares and SP-280 Rodovia Castello Branco, anticipates approximately 1.2 million vehicles will traverse these roads during the same holiday period. Thursday, April 17, is projected to be the busiest day, with traffic expected to be 3.25% above normal, translating to nearly 309,000 vehicles.
In preparation for the influx, the Ecovias Raposo Castello has advised users to plan their trips ahead of time to avoid peak traffic periods. The best times for travel are between midnight and 7 AM or after 7 PM. On the return trip, it is recommended to avoid travel between 2 PM and 7 PM on Monday, April 21, when vehicle flow is likely to be at its highest.
The concessionária has also established a 24-hour user support system, featuring a robust operational structure with 10 tow trucks, six ambulances, and several support vehicles. They have strategically placed five service bases along the highways to assist travelers. Users who opt for automatic payment via TAG can benefit from a 5% discount on toll fees.
To ensure safety during the holiday, restrictions are in place for trucks and articulated vehicles on the Castello Branco highway towards São Paulo on Sundays and holidays from 2 PM to 1 AM the next day, except for vehicles carrying perishable goods with the proper authorization.
With these preparations, both Ecovias Imigrantes and Ecovias Raposo Castello aim to facilitate safe and efficient travel for all road users during this busy holiday season.
