Rodovia Castelo Branco

Rodovia Presidente Castelo Branco (SP-280) is a tollway in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It was first opened on November 10, 1968, by, then, the Governor of the state of São Paulo, Abreu Sodré. The tollway name was given in memory of an ex-president of Brazil, Field Marshal Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco.

Running Westbound from the city of São Paulo and finishing in Espirito Santo do Turvo, while heading towards the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, near the North side border of the Southern state of Paraná, Rodovia Castelo Branco, as it is popularly known, is about 315 km (195.7 miles) long, and one of Brazil's safest tollways. The tollway passes by several cities, including: Barueri, Santana de Parnaíba, Sorocaba, Tatuí, Avaré and Águas de Santa Bárbara. Near Barueri and due to the large population of São Paulo, Rodovia Castelo Branco is one of the busiest and widest of Brazil's tollways.

Initially known as "Rodovia do Oeste" (Western Expressway), it was built in three phases. The first phase was during 1963 to 1968 (from the city of São Paulo to the city of Torre de Pedra, extending 170 km West). The second phase was during 1971, reaching the city limits of São Manuel and Avaré (another 58 km). The final and third phase, for 74 km, ended at highway SP-225, near the city of Espírito Santo do Turvo. Travelers going to Ourinhos and the Northwest part of the State of Paraná often follow the Castelo Branco (SP-225) route.

The tollway is managed and maintained by a state concession to three private companies: "SPVias", "Rodovias das Colinas" and "ViaOeste".

ee also

* Highway system of São Paulo
* Brazilian Highway System

External links

* [http://www.der.sp.gov.br/malha/mapa_sao_paulo.aspx Oficial Brazilian governmental road maps for the State of São Paulo] (In Portuguese Language).
* [http://200.144.30.104/website/webrota/viewer.htm Road finder viewer for the state of São Paulo]