High Traffic Expected on São Paulo Highways and Terminals for Independence Day Holiday

Major highways and transport terminals in São Paulo are expecting a high volume of travelers for the Independence of Brazil holiday starting Friday, September 4. Estimates from Artesp indicate that approximately 4.3 million vehicles will use the Anhanguera-Bandeirantes and Raposo Tavares-Castelo Branco systems. Specifically, the Castello Branco highway expects around 1 million vehicles, while the Anhanguera-Bandeirantes system anticipates 2.238 million vehicles. For those traveling to the coast, the Anchieta-Imigrantes System expects up to 330 thousand vehicles heading toward Baixada Santista. Other coastal routes include the Tamoios highway with 160 thousand vehicles and the Rio-Santos highway with 235 thousand vehicles. Additionally, about 1.5 million vehicles are expected on the Presidente Dutra highway connecting São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

To manage the flow, authorities will implement special traffic operations. The Operação Descida (7x3) will prioritize traffic toward the coast, while the Operação Subida (2x8) will prioritize the return to the capital. The DER will mobilize 1,400 agents, and Artesp will restrict routine maintenance and exceptional cargo transport during peak hours. For bus travelers, the Tietê terminal expects nearly 270,000 passengers and over 8,000 buses, while the Barra Funda terminal expects about 84,000 passengers and 2,835 buses.

Peak travel times are generally expected on Friday afternoon and Monday evening. For those seeking less congestion, recommendations include traveling on Saturday before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. on the Castello Branco, and avoiding the peak windows of Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Anhanguera-Bandeirantes system.