Quick answer: since August 27, 2026, the last U-turn on Avenida Tancredo Neves near the Complexo Viário Maria do Carmo has been permanently closed. To make the turn and reach the Parque dos Cajueiros area, Aracaju's traffic authority (SMTT) instructs drivers to continue on Avenida Tancredo Neves, enter Avenida Governador Paulo Barreto de Menezes, proceed to the U-turn near Parque dos Cajueiros, and then use the section under the overpass to return to Avenida Tancredo Neves.
What changed on Avenida Tancredo Neves
Aracaju City Hall and the Superintendência Municipal de Transportes e Trânsito (SMTT) announced on August 24 that the last U-turn on Tancredo Neves, near the Complexo Viário Maria do Carmo, would be permanently closed starting Thursday, August 27. The closure was required so construction of the overpass ramps could move forward.
Drivers therefore should no longer plan to make the old U-turn at that point. SMTT says that once the ramps are completed, that U-turn will no longer be needed for traffic circulation in the area.
Which route to use for the Parque dos Cajueiros area
The official sequence given by SMTT is:
- continue on Avenida Tancredo Neves toward the complex;
- enter Avenida Governador Paulo Barreto de Menezes;
- continue to the U-turn near Parque dos Cajueiros;
- make the U-turn and head toward the section under the overpass;
- use that section to return to Avenida Tancredo Neves.
In practical terms, the U-turn near Parque dos Cajueiros becomes the main reference point replacing the old return movement. The new path requires drivers to travel farther before turning, so it is useful to prepare for lane changes early and watch the signs when approaching the complex.
The section under the overpass needs extra attention
SMTT also said traffic under the overpass will undergo a specific adjustment as construction progresses. The overall route is therefore defined, but lane arrangements, cones and access points in the lower section may be modified while work is underway.
The area had already been operating with construction-related diversions around Complexo Maria do Carmo. In guidance published in May, SMTT explained that some access to Tancredo Neves was still being made through a diversion inside the construction zone and that lane narrowing could cause congestion. That context makes it especially important to slow down, avoid abrupt lane changes and follow on-site signs and traffic officers.
Will the old U-turn reopen?
Based on the available official information, no. The closure was announced as permanent. SMTT's explanation is that once the complex's ramps are completed, the old U-turn will no longer be necessary for vehicle circulation in the area.
This distinguishes the change from temporary closures used during earlier phases of the project. For frequent Tancredo Neves users, the new reference is the route via Avenida Governador Paulo Barreto de Menezes and the U-turn near Parque dos Cajueiros.
How to avoid taking the wrong route during construction
- Do not wait until you reach the former U-turn: plan the maneuver knowing it is no longer available.
- Use Parque dos Cajueiros as the landmark: the U-turn identified by SMTT is located near the park.
- Give priority to on-site signs: because the section under the overpass may receive operational adjustments, signs, cones and traffic officers should take precedence over an outdated navigation-app route.
- Allow extra time: lane narrowing and construction-zone changes can increase travel time, especially during busier periods.
What may still change
The Tancredo Neves U-turn closure was described as permanent, but SMTT indicated that the traffic pattern under the overpass may be adjusted during construction. As of this article's update on September 1, 2026, no later official guidance was found replacing the route published on August 24.
Drivers using the area should check SMTT's latest notices and follow the signs installed on site, particularly if there is a last-minute operational change.
