Walking on a busy highway: The unique experience of the Minhocao in Sao Paulo
The Elevado Presidente João Goulart, famously known as the "Minhocão," is a massive elevated highway that cuts through the heart of São Paulo, Brazil. While it was built to handle heavy traffic, it has become one of the most unique urban spaces in the world where people can walk, run, and cycle on a road originally designed for thousands of cars.
| Road facts: Elevado Presidente João Goulart | |
|---|---|
| Location | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Length | 3.4 km (2.1 miles) |
| Type | Elevated Highway / Urban Park |
| Access | Pedestrians (Nights & Weekends) |
| Height | Up to 5.5 meters above the street |
What is the Minhocão in São Paulo?
Opened in 1970, the Elevado Presidente João Goulart is a 3.4 km elevated highway designed to ease traffic in São Paulo's dense city center. However, its proximity to apartment buildings and the noise pollution it generated led to a unique compromise: the road closes to cars during specific times to become a massive linear park for the public.
When can you walk on this busy highway?
The experience of walking on this road is only possible because of its strict closing schedule for vehicles. Currently, the Minhocão is closed to cars every night from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and remains entirely dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists throughout the weekend (all day Saturday and Sunday).
Is it safe to walk on the Elevado Presidente João Goulart?
During its pedestrian hours, the highway is a safe and vibrant space. Thousands of residents use the asphalt as a park, turning a place usually filled with exhaust fumes and noise into a community hub. The elevated position offers a different perspective of the city's architecture and the famous vertical gardens painted on the nearby buildings.
What is the length of the walk on the Minhocão?
The entire walk is 3.4 km (2.1 miles) long. It is a flat, paved route that takes you through various neighborhoods of central São Paulo. Because it is an elevated road, there are no traffic lights or intersections once you are on the main deck, making it an uninterrupted path for walking or running.
Why is this road so famous for pedestrians?
The Minhocão has become a global symbol of urban transformation. It is rare to find a place where you can stand in the middle of a multi-lane highway and see street art, food stalls, and families playing where buses and trucks usually roar. It has successfully turned a piece of grey infrastructure into a vital green and social space for the city.
What should you expect when visiting the highway?
Expect a lively atmosphere, especially on Sundays. The road is often filled with music, pet owners, and people enjoying the "urban beach" vibe. While the surface is standard highway asphalt, the lack of cars transforms the environment completely. Just remember that during the day on weekdays, this is still a very busy and noisy highway for driving.
Pic: Jasiel Nascimento