Radial Leste (São Paulo)

The Radial Leste is a major arterial road in São Paulo, Brazil, running across the city's entire eastern axis toward the central region. It serves the subprefectures of Mooca, Penha, Itaquera, and Guaianases and acts as the primary connection between São Paulo and the municipality of Ferraz de Vasconcelos. In the direction from the city center to the neighborhoods, Radial Leste begins in the Parque Dom Pedro II area at Figueira Street. However, its most significant vehicle flow originates from the Glicério elevated highway, which connects it to the East-West Link and State Avenue.

Planned in 1945, the road was designed to alleviate traffic congestion on Rangel Pestana and Celso Garcia avenues. The name "Radial" refers to the road's conceptual design as a radius extending from the center of São Paulo within a circular network of avenues and streets in the central region. Due to its strategic location, the road is one of the main routes linking São Paulo's East Zone with the city center. Running parallel to Line 3 of the São Paulo Metro, Radial Leste also features a stretch of bicycle lane, inaugurated in 2008.

The Radial Leste was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous roads for drivers and pedestrians during the 1970s. In 1974 alone, it recorded 1,538 accidents, resulting in 2,023 victims. Reports from that time describe a dire situation caused by a lack of proper signage combined with reckless driving, as many drivers sped excessively, leading to frequent accidents. The situation was so severe that an ambulance was stationed on the road from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to assist the injured. Today, the road is no longer considered one of the most dangerous in the city.