Tamoios South Bypass Strengthens the Competitiveness of the Port of São Sebastião

With the South Bypass (Contorno Sul) of the Tamoios Highway now fully operational, the Port of São Sebastião — managed by the São Paulo State Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics — now benefits from faster, more modern, and efficient road access. The average travel time between Caraguatatuba and the port terminal has dropped from 45 to approximately 16 minutes, eliminating long-standing bottlenecks and significantly improving regional logistics.

The 22.7-kilometer stretch directly connects the highway system to the port through six tunnels and 24 engineering structures — including bridges, overpasses, and walkways — ensuring smooth, safe, and uninterrupted operation even under adverse weather conditions.

This improvement is strategic for port operations, as the Port of São Sebastião continues to position itself as an essential logistics alternative for the state. More effortless cargo flow, more predictable access for heavy vehicles, and reduced congestion in urban areas provide concrete operational gains across the logistics chain.

According to Ernesto Sampaio, president of Companhia Docas de São Sebastião (CDSS), the new access route is transformative for port activity. “The South Bypass solves one of the Port of São Sebastião’s main challenges: efficient access. The new road diverts heavy traffic away from the urban center, ensuring that trucks and cargo reach the terminal faster and more reliably. This directly impacts operational productivity, lowers logistics costs, and strengthens the confidence of cargo operators,” he stated.

He also noted that the investment in road infrastructure boosts the port’s growth potential. “With a well-structured and safe access route, the Port of São Sebastião becomes more attractive to new businesses and logistics projects. We’re entering a new phase, with modernization efforts like the Port Community System and now a road network that matches the level of excellence we aim to deliver,” he added.

Modal Integration and Operational Safety

The South Bypass project also enhances the integration between road and port transport, creating better conditions for the movement of intermodal cargo. This connection is viewed as crucial for ensuring logistics efficiency and competitiveness throughout the state.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the new road section features traffic monitoring and management technologies, including cameras, variable message signs, vehicle counters, weather stations, and Wi-Fi systems. These tools enhance road safety and support real-time decision-making for both logistics operators and public authorities.

Investment with Regional Impact

Work on the South Bypass resumed in 2023 and has received R$3 billion in investment since 2021 under the management of the Tamoios highway concessionaire. The construction project generated around 2,000 direct jobs. More than just a mobility upgrade, the bypass contributes to regional economic development. It strengthens the role of the Port of São Sebastião as a driver of growth on São Paulo’s North Coast.

Source: Tamoios News

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