Almost 10 years ago, on July 21, 2015, the start signal of the Tren del Valle was heard for the first time. that announced its journey from Neuquén to Cipolletti. That day was experienced as a party for those who had waited more than 20 years for the return of the train to the region. However, the illusion was short-lived and one morning in January 2022after several crashes to the Route 151 highway bridge, The service did not circulate again. Today the municipality of Cipolletti is looking for solutions to this problem while neighbors ask themselves: Will the Valley Train cross into the capital of Neuquén again?
When the return of the Tren del Valle was announced in 2015, it had been almost 22 years since no passenger rail service passed over the Neuquén River.. According to Trenes Argentinos, since its inauguration, more than 880 thousand passengers have used the service. The people who circulated in the formation highlighted its comfort and price. In addition, the means of transportation had become a solution in the days when traffic was interrupted on the highway bridge.
However, this came to an end January 25, 2022 when the following announcement was made by Trenes Argentinos:
«For an indefinite period of time, the Valley Train service will not be provided between Neuquén and Cipolletti due to collisions that occurred on the railway bridge on Route 151″.
As stated by the organization, the multiple crashes suffered by the railway bridge became an impediment to its safe circulation. The thing is that at least once a month, there was a new incident involving the Route 151 bridge and a truck that had not respected the height limits.
The last crash occurred on January 25, 2022. That day, the collision caused The tracks of the railway bridge will move 60 centimeters, according to Ferrosur personnel.
After the incident that damaged the railway structure that January, repairs were made to the bridge and it is currently used by the freight train operated by the Ferrosur company. Since then the neighbors have been wondering What is the explanation why the freight train can travel without problems, but the passenger train cannot.
The railway company assures that the conditions are not in place for the passenger train to circulate safely through that area. The municipality of Cipolletti promised to restore the conditions so that the Tren del Valle returns taking preventive measures to avoid collisions. This is why during the last two weeks, signs were posted with the height limit for trucks, the facade of the bridge was painted, the application of million-dollar fines was announced in the event of a crash, and cameras were even placed to control the traffic. zone.
Days ago, the Cipoleño mayor, Rodrigo Buteler, assured BLACK RIVER RADIO that Ferrosur is committed to resuming the service if the positive results of prevention are maintained. “We are going to continue working, The idea is to paint the entire bridge, continue with the scheduled tasks, we are getting closer to the return of the passenger train, which is the important thing and what we agreed with Ferrosur,” he said.
Chronology of the Valle Train: the public work that was tendered but did not materialize
During 2023, the possibility of carrying out a complicated work that would mean the return of the Valley Train: a lowering of the level of Route 151 that would avoid constant crashes. This work was put out to tender, but as a result of the economic context that the country is going through, plus the disagreements between the municipality of Cipolletti and National Roads, it was not carried out.
Gustavo Casas, head of National Highways at that time, told this medium how he had approached the work. The descent of Route 151 involved a work of great hydraulic complexity: “We have to divert the water basin that is generated when the route descends so that the city does not flood. Now it’s being channeled to take away the water at 900 meters and that flows into the river. We also designed two pumps for those days when there is a greater flow of river water,” he said.
The project, by lowering the road, also affected part of the gas and water pipes in the sector. Added to this are the electricity cables, which is why private companies such as Camuzzi, Edersa, Telefónica and the Water Department were involved in the decision.
Another item that added to the conflict was the diversion of heavy traffic that circulates on Route 151 towards Vaca Muerta. This part received a resounding refusal from the municipal government, then headed by Claudio Di Tella.
“I consider that there must be technical control to avoid new accidents. The 200 trucks that, for example, Sierra Colorada produces for Vaca Muerta cannot pass through the Cipolletti ring road, which today is an urban avenue,” said Di Tella.
Ultimately this work was not carried out, despite the fact that it was already in the bidding process.
“In 30 days we will meet with Ferrosur,” said Gustavo Zovich, Secretary of Public Works of Cipolletti.
In dialogue with RÍO NEGRO RADIO, Gustavo Sovich, Secretary of Public Works of Cipolletti, explained that They are in constant communication about the protection measures carried out on the highway bridge with the Ferrosur company. and assured that the Carriers that are usually involved in crashes are foreigners.
«We have been working since the beginning of the administration to highlight the situation of the railway bridge and improving this sector. As you know, the bridge has a height of 4.10 meters and does not allow the passage of large equipment, Therefore, the impacts have caused Ferrosur to stop the service,” said Gustavo Sovich.
Furthermore, he stated that after the placement of posters, Height limiters, security cameras and a control booth met with the railway company to show the work. «We agreed to be attentive to the situation on the railway bridge and “In 30 days we will meet to see how this progresses,” said the Secretary of Public Works.
Regarding the constant collisions with the railway bridge, the official explained that “these are not transporters from the area.”. Most of them are foreigners, especially from Brazil, who do not have knowledge of the sector. For this reason, we have also communicated with truck drivers to spread the word about the situation.”
He also announced that it is too early to ensure the return of the Valley Train to the city. Will the neighbors have to wait two decades again until they hear the train whistle leaving Cipolletti again? Or will the wait be shorter this time and we will have the train before the end of 2024?
Listen to Gustavo Sovich, Secretary of Public Works of Cipolletti, on RÍO NEGRO RADIO:
Tune in to RÍO NEGRO RADIO. Listen to us on FM 90.9 from Neuquén, on FM 91.9 from Roca, on rionegro.com.ar/radio or through our App (here for Androidhere for iOS).
