Rodovia Anchieta

Rodovia Anchieta is a major highway connecting São Paulo city to Santos port and the Atlantic coast. It winds through the Serra do Mar mountain range, with multiple engineering structures built to handle the steep terrain.

Construction began in 1939 and was completed in two stages: northbound lanes in 1947 and southbound lanes in 1953. The highway became crucial for connecting the inland plateau to coastal industry and commerce.

The road bears the name of Jesuit priest José de Anchieta, who established the village of São Paulo dos Campos de Piratininga in 1554.

The road has two lanes in each direction with a reversible traffic system that adjusts lanes based on traffic demand. This setup helps manage congestion during peak hours, particularly for commuter traffic between the city and coast.

The highway features a distinctive tower structure at the mountain approach that serves as a historic landmark for travelers. This tower becomes a visual reference point for many drivers when approaching the coastal region.

Location: São Paulo

Inception: 1947

Official opening: 1947

GPS coordinates: -23.78944,-46.51944

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:00