A 92-kilometer stretch of the highway between São Paulo and Cotia is up for auction, with an estimated investment of R$ 1.3 billion.
The Auction Process
The São Paulo state government will auction the busiest section of the Raposo Tavares Highway, which connects São Paulo to Cotia, at 4 PM on Thursday (28). The winning company will undertake a vast and costly construction schedule (see details below).
The auction for this 92-kilometer stretch will be held at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3). The Nova Raposo project, as outlined by the government, seeks to modernize the highway in the urban area between the two cities, with an investment estimate of R$ 1.3 billion.
The highest bidder will win the auction. The minimum bid is set at R$ 4.6 million, and the concession period will span 30 years, with an anticipated investment of around R$ 8 billion.
The winner will have the right to install new toll booths along the stretch between São Paulo and Cotia. The first toll booth will be positioned in the urban section of the capital at km 11, which is 36 kilometers before the current initial toll booth.
Project Overview
The government’s objective is for the winning company to construct 50 kilometers of marginal roads along the entire urban section of the Raposo Tavares Highway, along with 20 kilometers of fourth lanes, including various access loops and pedestrian overpasses.
Upon reaching the capital, the plan includes building a tunnel leading to the vicinity of the Marginal Pinheiros, where three viaducts will be constructed to ease traffic congestion.
Expanding the Raposo Tavares will necessitate the expropriation of approximately 300,000 square meters of land. This is a significant concern for local residents, who fear the loss of vital green spaces in the city.
In response to these concerns, residents near the highway have formed a movement called “No to New Raposo” and conducted a survey to assess public opinion on the project.
According to their findings, over 2,000 individuals were interviewed by phone, with 63% unaware of the project. Of those who were aware, 77% believed the project would negatively impact the population.
In a statement, the state government mentioned that the project was open for public consultation for 30 days, and 60% of the suggestions received were integrated into the project.
Regarding environmental issues, the government stated that these would be addressed in specific public hearings for licensing and prior to the start of construction.
Bidding Companies
Four companies have qualified to bid for the highway stretch. Three of these are already active in São Paulo:
- EcoRodovias, managing the Imigrantes and Anchieta highways;
- CCR, currently responsible for the Castello Branco and won the stretch of the Raposo between Araçoiaba da Serra and Cotia in October;
- Via Appia, overseeing the construction of the North Section of the Rodoanel and managing highways in the interior;
- EPR, with highway concessions in Minas Gerais and Paraná.
