Santos: Drainage works in Alemoa prompt changes to perimeter road traffic

Drainage construction works near the Alemoa roundabout, between the end of the Paulo Bonavides overpass and Engenheiro Augusto Barata Avenue, will lead to traffic changes starting this Friday (Jan. 9). The project, carried out by the Santos Port Authority (APS), will quadruple the area’s stormwater drainage capacity and is expected to resolve the chronic flooding that affects Alemoa, one of the main access points to the city of Santos.

Since Oct. 20, APS has been building an alternative roadway to divert traffic, as outbound lanes from the port will need to be closed for the installation of the new drainage channel. As part of the works, the current roundabout will be removed and later replaced by U-turns in both directions, resulting in changes to vehicle circulation.

Drivers arriving from Via Anchieta via the Doutor Paulo Bonavides overpass and heading to the Alemoa Industrial area will be required to take the first right turn onto Doutor Albert Schweitzer Street and then return beneath the overpass via Augusto Scaraboto Street. Vehicles leaving the BTP terminal toward the Ponta da Praia district will need to exit via the right-hand lane alongside the overpass and skirt the Alemoa Industrial area through Aurélio Batista Félix Street, dos Italianos Street and Doutor Albert Schweitzer Street, before turning left at the traffic light to access the Paulo Bonavides overpass.

The detours affect traffic only in the outbound direction from the port. The alternative roadway is narrower than the current alignment and has lower traffic capacity, which may lead to congestion during the works, scheduled to continue through January 2027. Traffic entering the port will not be affected.

Expanded drainage capacity

Alemoa is one of the most flood-prone areas in Santos during periods of heavy rainfall, frequently disrupting daily life and port operations by interrupting the movement of trucks, buses and passenger vehicles.

The existing drainage ditch at the end of the overpass measures just 1.5 meters by 1.5 meters and is insufficient to handle stormwater runoff. It will be replaced by a drainage channel measuring 5 meters in length and 2 meters in width, quadrupling the current drainage capacity. According to APS, the works will provide a definitive solution to the long-standing flooding problem in the area.

In addition to the drainage channel, the project includes replacing the current cobblestone pavement with asphalt, which is expected to improve traffic flow by clearly defining three traffic lanes. The roundabout will be replaced by two free-flow U-turns, further facilitating vehicle circulation.

Throughout the construction period, port authority traffic agents will be on site to assist drivers. A tow truck will also remain on standby to respond to incidents requiring vehicle removal from the roadway.

Source: Porto de Santos

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