Brazil’s São Paulo launches program to renew road network

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The City Hall of São Paulo yesterday (20th) began rehabilitating the road network in ten city avenues. The program foresees the rehabilitation of 5.8 million square meters of streets and avenues and involves a total investment of R$1 billion (US$194 million).

The action began with mapping the city’s road network using the Gaia system, which identifies and classifies streets. With the help of devices attached to 108 app cars and partner cabs traveling throughout the city, it is possible to check and locate defects and irregularities in real-time.

“This is the largest ever survey of asphalt condition, concern, and quality. It is the basis for São Paulo to have accurate information about the pavement, leading to savings in public funds and efficiency gains,” said the municipal secretary of sub-prefectures, Alexandre Modonezi.

According to City Hall, each street in São Paulo will save public funds through the mapping since the asphalt is in different conditions. If the system shows that the situation is bad or very bad, two other devices will be used to diagnose the waviness of the asphalt, whether it is superficial or structural.

Roads in Brazil are among the worst in the world, so São Paulo’s desire to make its road network acceptable is not a given but a praiseworthy exception.

The most advanced with road maintenance is the southern state of Santa Catarina, whose roads are mostly pleasant to drive on, even in a sports car.