Brazil speeds up Nova Serra das Araras upgrades on the BR‑116 highway

Work on the Nova Serra das Araras stretch of the Rodovia Presidente Dutra (BR‑116) has reached about 70% of its physical progress. The first phase, delivered in June, includes eight of the 24 planned viaducts and will allow speeds to rise from the current 40 km/h to 80 km/h, cutting travel time by up to 25% toward São Paulo and 50% toward Rio de Janeiro. The R$1.5 billion project, financed by BNDES, aims to complete the downhill lane by 2029 and the uphill lane, originally slated for February 2028, has been moved forward to the first half of 2027.

Rock‑blasting operations to clear the new lanes are scheduled for 27‑30 July and 1 August 2026, with the southbound lane closed during those windows while the northbound lane remains open. Pre‑cast concrete beam production for the viaducts has reached unit 427 of a planned 543, supporting the critical path of the works.