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The National Governments decision to cancel the tender for the repaving of National Route 35, in the section between Winifreda and Eduardo Castex (Km 370.72 to Km 404.48), generated serious concern in both Pampean towns, whose representatives warn of the economic and road safety impact caused by the deterioration of this strategic route. The bidding process, formally initiated but abandoned for more than 15 months, was canceled by the National Highway Administration (DNV), which also meant the projects budget was removed. The cancellation was published on March 13 in the Official Gazette, formalizing the definitive closure of a long-awaited project for the region. Local authorities warn that the affected stretch of road is crucial for both the transportation of agricultural products and tourist traffic. The lack of maintenance on the roadway and shoulders is causing many motorists to opt for alternative routes, reducing traffic flow, which benefits businesses, service stations, and lodging along the route. From Eduardo Castex, Mayor Mónica Curutchet lamented that, after years of municipal and provincial negotiations, the project remains unfinished and warned of the risk of being excluded from economic and tourist circuits. In turn, Adriana García, Mayor of Winifreda, emphasized that the deterioration of the road also implies an increasing risk of traffic accidents, given the lack of preventive and safety measures. Both officials agreed that resorting to the courts, as other provinces have done with abandoned national highways, is not always effective or swift. In this regard, García cited as an example the failure to comply with the Supreme Courts ruling on the minimum flow of the Atuel River. Both propose continuing with mechanisms for dialogue and negotiation to achieve a concrete solution. An additional point of debate revolves around the use of funds raised through the Fuel Tax. Although this tax continues to be collected from consumers, there is no correlation between it and investments in road maintenance. This situation increases the discontent of local governments, who see how the resources are not returning to concrete improvements for their communities. |
