Before go out to the routes of Neuquén and Río Negro It is important to check its status. There are several factors that can modify traffic, such as closures due to protests or works, also weather conditions, such as wind or rain, and even the passage of crianceros. If you take advantage of your vacation, a holiday, a long weekend or you have another type of trip, such as for work or health, find the details to reach your destination in the best way.
Look at Routes 22, 40, 237 and all those that run through both provinces.
Traffic on Route 237
The Route 237 It is one of the most visited by those going to or returning from the mountain range. It has two points that require special attention. One is at the height of the access to Villa El Chocón, because with previous rains there have been cuts because it ended up covered in mud. The other is the one with the call Collón Curá descent. Its curves and countercurves are taken quickly by inexperienced drivers who end up leaving the asphalt, but there are also reckless drivers who make overtakes even though they have no vision of the opposite lane. With low temperatures, another problem arises: shadow cones, where the ice that forms on the road does not melt and vehicles that pass very quickly end up skidding.
From Roads they indicated that the state of the section Emp. RN 22 (Arroyito) – Piedra del Águila is passable with caution: wet road, possible ice formation, area with loose animals and operating equipment. The status of the section Piedra del Águila – Pte Collón Curá (Emp. RN 234) is passable with caution: wet road, loose animals and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section Pte Collón Cura (Emp. RN 234) – Confluencia (Emp. RP 63 and 65) is passable with caution: wet road, loose animals and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section Confluence – Emp. RN 40 is passable with caution: wet road, loose animals and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains.
Traffic on Route 22
The Route 22 It is one of the busiest on a daily basis and the most complex. A part of its route is under construction and has many intersections and entrances to the towns it runs through. The route even crosses many of them. Therefore, it is common to find many traffic lights on your way. Given these characteristics, it is important to regulate the speed and not make risky overtakes.
From Roads they indicated that the state of the section Neuquén – Arroyito is passable with caution, with intense traffic. The status of the section Arroyito – Plaza Huincul – Cutral-Có is passable with caution: intense traffic, loose animals and operating equipment. The status of the section Cutral-Có – Zapala is passable with cautionwith the presence of loose animals.
Traffic on Route 40
The historic and emblematic Route 40 has his central point in Chos Malal. In this town in the north of Neuquén, a milestone has been erected so that visitors can take a photo to appreciate their passage through the place and appreciate the landscape. Its extensive route accompanies the mountain range from south to north of the province, and is a protagonist for the localities, which is why it is often full of tourists or becomes the concentration point for protests.
From Roads they indicated that the state of the section Chos Malal – Barrancas is passable with caution: wet road and loose animals. The status of the section Las Lajas (Emp. RN 242) – Chos Malal is passable with caution: wet road and loose animals. The status of the section Zapala – Las Lajas (Emp. RN 242) is passable with caution: wet road and loose animals. The status of the section Zapala – La Rinconada (Emp. RN 234) is passable with caution: wet road and loose animals. The status of the section La Rinconada – Junín de los Andes – San Martín de los Andes is passable with caution: wet road, possible icing, loose animals and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section San Martín de los Andes – Acc. Chapelco is passable with caution: wet road, probability of ice formation, loose animals and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section Acc. Chapelco – Lake Villarino is passable with caution: wet road, probability of icing and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section Lake Villarino – Emp. RN 231 – Villa la Angostura is passable with caution: wet road, probability of icing and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section Villa La Angostura – Emp. RN 237 is passable with caution: reduced visibility due to fog, wet roads, possible ice formation and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains. The status of the section Emp. RN 237 – Pte Río Limay (Lte c/Río Negro) is passable with caution: wet asphalt strip, possible ice formation, loose animals and operating equipment; Mandatory wearing of chains.
Traffic on Route 26 Caviahue – Copahue
The Route 26 It shows impressive landscapes, especially in winter, when everything is covered in snow. It is also because it is one of the roads on which extreme caution must be taken when driving, if there are low temperatures.
From Roads they indicated that the state of the section Loncopué – Riscos Bayos – Hualcupén is passable with caution, with wet asphalt tape. The status of the section Hualcupén – Cajón Chico – Caviahue is passable with caution, with wet asphalt tape. The status of the section Caviahue – Copahue is passable with cautionwith wet asphalt tape.
How to know the status of the routes?
As the situation on the routes may change due to weather conditions, it is requested that the status of the routes be reviewed before embarking on a trip. If you have an internet connection, one way to do it is by consulting the report published by the Provincial Road Directorate (DPV) of Neuquén on its website. By pressing the ‘Route Status’ button, you access the latest survey of Neuquén roads (the time it was updated is reported at the top). On the last page, there is a special section that details the status of the international crossings to Chile and their opening and closing hours. It can also be consulted through the National Roads page, selecting the corresponding district. Other options include the social networks of the same organizations, the DPV of Neuquén reports on @dpvneuquen and you can also consult the Facebook page of the Neuquén Civil Defense or the page of the provincial undersecretary.
What to do if you find a breeder with his animals?
Road Safety has given a series of recommendations to deal with unexpected encounters with animals on the roads. The first thing they recommend is to wait for the animals to move forward and move to one side of the shoulder to let the vehicles pass. They also advise against honking as this can scare and disperse the animals. Lastly, and most importantly, they recommend driving at low speed and with your lights on. ‘It is important to remember that there is a law in our province that allows animals to have the right of passage and that protects them in herding tracks,’ the agency explained.
Why use chains on icy or snowy roads?
Snow chains are a useful tool for improving tire traction in snowy or icy road conditions. To use them safely, it is recommended to select the appropriate type for your vehicle and road conditions, practice installing and removing them before needing them, reduce speed when driving with them, use them only in snow or icy conditions, and check them regularly. to make sure they are in good condition and working properly.
