The president of the Cañadón Seco Development Commission, Jorge Soloaga, issued a warning this Thursday about the imminent risk of a collapse on National Route 3 due to a huge crack that has formed on the southern slope of Cerro Punta Peligro. This crack, located in an area that plunges into the sea with a height of almost 40 meters, represents a potential threat to isolate Santa Cruz by land.
Soloaga, accompanied by the lawyer Franco Perotti and the architect Pablo Fernández, announced in a press conference that they will present an appeal for protection before the Federal Court of Caleta Olivia next Monday. The complaint holds Vialidad Nacional responsible for negligence in not having taken preventive measures or adequately maintained the affected road layout.
During the conference, footage and images captured by a drone were shown, revealing the magnitude of the geological phenomenon. The images clearly demonstrate the extent and depth of the crack, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
If the southern slope of the hill collapses, the consequences would be more serious than those caused by the collapse of the eastern slope of Cerro Chenque, since in this case there are no alternative routes available. The only viable solution would be to resume the work of cutting the hill, part of the highway work that is currently paralyzed.
Architect Fernández explained that the crack has formed due to water runoff from rainfall, soil movement caused by highway construction and heavy traffic. The clay terrain further aggravates the situation, since any intervention would require compacting the base and placing granular material to support traffic.
Soloaga also reported that he has contacted other community leaders and the mayor of Comodoro Rivadavia, Othar Macharashvili, to alert about the situation and coordinate actions. In addition, he assured that in the next few hours he will communicate with the governors of Santa Cruz and Chubut to seek a joint solution.
The situation on National Route 3 is critical and requires an immediate response from the authorities to avoid a disaster that could leave the province of Santa Cruz isolated and seriously affect land connectivity in the region.
