Aparecida Archbishop Backs 134-Km Pilgrim Path on Dutra as Regulator Weighs RioSP Plan

Overview

• Concessionaire RioSP has submitted to ANTT a proposal for a dedicated 134-kilometer route for walkers and cyclists between Arujá and Aparecida.
• The Santuário Nacional is involved in the talks, and Archbishop Dom Orlando Brandes publicly urged a solution to protect pilgrims during the Oct. 12 celebrations.
• PRF counted 39,037 pilgrims on the Dutra from Oct. 1–12 using toll-area cameras in Arujá, Jacareí and Moreira César.
• This year’s pilgrimage saw multiple accidents, including the death of cyclist José Antônio dos Santos after being struck by a truck near km 100, and other injuries.
• Reports differ on a separate fatality near km 55 in Lorena, with one outlet citing a hit-and-run and another describing a homicide, and RioSP says it would fully finance the proposed works subject to approval.