Before going out on the routes 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 access to Villa El Chocón, because with previous rains there have been cuts because it ended up covered in mud. The other is the so-called 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 Emp section RN 22 (Arroyito) – Piedra del Águila It is passable with caution, with wet roads, possible ice formation. area with loose animals. equipment operating. The state of Piedra del Águila – Pte Collón Curá section (Emp. RN 234) It is passable with caution, with wet roads. stray animals. equipment operating. Mandatory carrying of chains. The state of Pte Collón Cura section (Emp. RN 234) – Confluencia (Emp. RP 63 and 65) It is passable with caution, with wet roads. stray animals. equipment operating. Mandatory carrying of chains. The state of Confluencia – Emp section. RN 40 It is passable with caution, with wet roads. stray animals. equipment operating. Mandatory carrying of chains.
Traffic on Route 22
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 Neuquén – Arroyito section It is passable with caution, with intense traffic. The state of the Arroyito – Plaza Huincul – Cutral-Có section It is passable with caution, with heavy traffic. stray animals. equipment operating. The state of Cutral-Có – Zapala section It is passable with caution, with loose animals.
Traffic on Route 40
The historic and emblematic Route 40 has its 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 Chos Malal – Barranca sections is passable with caution, with wet roads. stray animals. The state of Las Lajas section (Emp. RN 242) – Chos Malal It is passable with caution, with wet roads. stray animals. The state of the Zapala – Las Lajas section (Emp. RN 242) is passable with caution, with wet roads. Stray animals. The state of Zapala – La Rinconada section (Emp. RN 234) It is passable with caution, with wet roads. Stray animals. The state of La Rinconada – Junín de los Andes – San Martín de los Andes section It is passable with caution, with wet roads. Possible icing. Stray animals. Mandatory carrying of chains. equipment operating. The state of San Martín de los Andes – Acc. Chapelco section It is passable with caution, with wet roads. Probability of icing. Stray animals. Mandatory carrying of chains. Operating equipment. The status of the section Acc. Chapelco – Lake Villarino It is passable with caution, with wet roads, probability of ice formation. Mandatory wearing of chains. Operating equipment. The state of Lake Villarino – Emp section. RN 231 – Villa la Angostura It is passable with caution, with wet roads. probability of ice formation. Mandatory carrying of chains. equipment operating. The state of Villa La Angostura – Emp section. RN 237 It is passable with caution, with visibility reduced by fog. Wet road. possible icing. Mandatory carrying of chains. Operating equipment. The state of Emp section RN 237 – Pte Río Limay (Lte c/Río Negro) It is passable with caution, with wet asphalt tape. possible icing. Stray animals. Mandatory carrying of chains. Operating equipment.
Traffic on Route 26 Caviahue – Copahue
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 Loncopué – Riscos Bayos – Hualcupén section It is passable with caution, with wet asphalt tape. The state of the Hualcupén – Cajón Chico – Caviahue section It is passable with caution, with ice and snow. wearing chains.. The state of the Caviahue – Copahue section There are sectors with ice and snow. Carrying chains.
Transit at international crossings
The Pino Hachado International Pass: Passable with caution. Road with snow, equipment operating. Passage enabled from 10am
The Icalma international crossing: Passable with caution. Wet asphalt tape. Mandatory carrying of chains.
The Hua Hum International Pass: Passable with caution. Mandatory carrying of chains.
The international step Mamuil Malal (former Tromen): Passable with caution. Mandatory carrying of chains.
The Cardenal Samoré international passage: Passable with caution. Mandatory carrying of chains.
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 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.
