The Government of the State of São Paulo republished, in the State Official Gazette, the bidding notice for the  Santos–Guarujá Immersed Tunnel project. 

The updated public notice introduces technical and operational refinements to the concession model, designed to boost appeal to private investors, strengthen legal safeguards, and improve the efficiency of contract implementation. Spanning 1.5 km, with 870 meters submerged beneath the estuary channel, the project will be Brazil’s first to use the internationally recognized immersed tunnel method. The tunnel will feature three lanes in each direction, including a dedicated lane for Light Rail Transit (LRT), along with a separate gallery for pedestrians and cyclists. The 30-year concession encompasses the design, construction, operation, and maintenance phases, with an estimated total investment of BRL 6.8 billion (US$ 1.2 billion).

The revised tender includes several updates, such as resetting the contract’s base date to January 2025, adjusting key cost components—like concrete, dredging, and diaphragm walls—and reassessing the average haul distance, now estimated at 85 km. Traffic forecasts have also been updated using data from the Waterway Crossings project model. Currently, travel between Santos and Guarujá relies on ferries and small passenger boats, which collectively carry over 21,000 vehicles, 7,700 cyclists, and 7,600 pedestrians each day. The new tunnel is designed to enhance mobility by providing faster, safer, and more comfortable crossings for users.

Developed through a partnership between the São Paulo State Government, the Ministry of Ports and Airports, ARTESP, ANTAQ, and the Santos Port Authority, the project is part of the São Paulo State Investment Partnership Program (PPI-SP) and aligns with the Federal Government’s new PAC initiative.