Traffic returning to São Paulo after the New Year created pockets of congestion on several of the state’s main highways, though most major routes remained passable, authorities reported on Friday afternoon.
Information released by motorway concessionaires and the São Paulo state roads department, DER-SP, between 13:40 and 14:10 indicated that the worst delays were concentrated on the coastal corridor. The stretch of the Rio-Santos designated SP-55, which links the north coast towns, was particularly slow between Ubatuba and Bertioga.
São Paulo road congestion after New Year
On the Anchieta-Imigrantes complex, congestion was reported on the Anchieta (SP-150) from kilometre 59 to 55 towards the capital. The Cônego Domênico Rangoni section of the SP-55 showed slow traffic from kilometre 251 to 258. The Imigrantes also had a congested segment between kilometres 65 and 63 in the direction of São Paulo.
By contrast, the Ayrton Senna and Carvalho Pinto highways were operating with free-flowing traffic in both directions, including routes towards the coast and towards Rio de Janeiro.
Monitoring cameras along the Tamoios (SP-99) corridor showed traffic moving freely throughout all sections. The Serra Antiga stretch, previously closed due to rain-related risks, had been reopened and was clear at the time of the updates.
Drivers on the coast were advised to expect extended periods of slow movement on the SP-55 throughout most of the north coast, where heavy return flows persisted. In the Vale do Paraíba and along the Presidente Dutra, motorway operators reported four separate pockets of slow traffic while passing through urban stretches: Piraí around kilometre 219 to 224, Taubaté from 97 to 105, and São José dos Campos between kilometres 135 and 146.
The Floriano Rodrigues Pinheiro (SP-123) link also experienced intense traffic as vehicles moved between the mountain resort of Campos do Jordão and the main highways Dutra and Carvalho Pinto.
Roads serving intercity and long-distance travel held up well. The Anhanguera (SP-330) and the Bandeirantes (SP-348) reported normal conditions in both directions. Likewise, Raposo Tavares (SP-270) and Castelo Branco (SP-280) were operating without significant disruptions for travellers heading to the capital or into the interior.
Authorities reiterated standard safety advice for motorists returning from holiday, recommending that drivers check live updates from concessionaires and DER-SP before setting off and avoid sudden lane changes near congested segments. Those planning travel along the coast were encouraged to allow extra time and, where possible, postpone departures outside peak return hours to reduce pressure on the busiest stretches.
Overall, the picture for the post-New Year return showed isolated trouble spots rather than widespread breakdowns. Motorway operators said they would continue to monitor camera feeds and traffic flow data and issue updates as conditions evolved throughout the day.
Key Takeaways:
- São Paulo road congestion affected key coastal routes on the return from New Year, with worst delays on the SP-55 Rio-Santos between Ubatuba and Bertioga.
- Anchieta and Imigrantes reported localized jams towards São Paulo; Ayrton Senna and Carvalho Pinto remained largely free.
- Monitoring by concessionaires and DER-SP showed most major highways flowing normally, including Anhanguera, Bandeirantes, Raposo Tavares and Castelo Branco.
