The Mogi-Bertioga Highway (SP-098) faced significant disruptions on December 27, 2024, owing to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. The highway, connecting the metropolitan region of São Paulo to the coastline, experienced partial closures starting early Friday morning, particularly at kilometer 85 near Bertioga, causing alarm among commuters and local authorities.
According to the Agência de Transportes do Estado de São Paulo (ARTESP), inspectors from the Concessionária Nova Litoral (CNL) discovered the landslide around 3 am during routine inspections. This situation unfolded amid reports of moderate to heavy rainfall impacting the greater São Paulo area and surrounding regions. The rainfall conditions led the agency to prepare for potential additional disruptions if weather conditions did not improve.
Traffic congestion became increasingly severe, stretching up to 15 kilometers as the morning progressed. Drivers reported delays of over one hour and thirty-two minutes to reach their destinations as the flow of vehicles was heavily impacted. The congestion reportedly began near kilometer 70 and continued to accumulate due to the disruption caused by the landslide.
The tenacity of the rain throughout the day raised concerns about the stability of the highway. Local authorities issued alerts urging motorists to remain vigilant and utilize alternative routes as necessary. The ARTESP indicated the need for potential closures depending on the volume of rainfall, emphasizing safety for all travelers. “A CNL, alinhada com a Artesp, pensando na segurança de todos que acessam a Rodovia Mogi-Bertioga, após estudos técnicos, concluiu que poderá haver a necessidade de fechamento total da rodovia caso as chuvas persistam na região,” stated Tenente André Belarmino, the commander of the Policing Unit for the Alto Tietê region, pressing the need for caution among drivers.
Cleanup crews from CNL worked diligently to remove debris from the highway, enabling the return of traffic flow by late morning. Although the initial closure lasted approximately one hour, authorities remained on high alert as weather forecasts predicted continued rain throughout the day. With heightened risk for additional landslides, ARTESP maintained communication with local civil defense authorities to monitor conditions closely.
Reports indicated not just the Mogi-Bertioga Highway but several municipalities across São Paulo experienced damage due to the heavy rains. There were reports of flooding, fallen trees, and landslides affecting residential areas. The civil defense office monitored these incidents, focusing on areas at risk for flooding and landslides, and advised the public to heed warnings related to severe weather.
Given the precarious nature of the situation, the government has also set up crisis management protocols, having mobilized a crisis cabinet to monitor rainfall effects as they occur. Recommendations from local councils included avoiding travel during severe weather, staying away from areas vulnerable to flooding, and remaining aware of potential hazards posed by unstable soil.
For those planning travel to the coastal region, ARTESP advised making use of alternative routes such as the Sistema Anchieta-Imigrantes or the Tamoios Highway. The agency continues to provide updates and monitor the road conditions, urging travelers to check traffic reports before beginning their journeys. ARTESP, which oversees 21 highway concessionaires managing over 11,000 kilometers of roads statewide, noted its commitment to ensuring safe travel.
Overall, the situation on Mogi-Bertioga Highway serves as both a reminder of the volatile nature of winter weather and the necessity of prompt action by transportation and civil authorities to protect public safety. Commuters are advised to stay updated on weather forecasts and traveling conditions to prevent any unforeseen complications during their travels.
