Before going out on the roads Neuquen and Rio 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 the Routes 22, 40, 237 and all those that run through both provinces.
Traffic on Route 237
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 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 overtake 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, with wet road, possible formation of ice in sectors. Mandatory carrying of chains. Loose animals. Equipment operating. The state of the section Eagle Stone – Collón Curá Bridge (Emp. RN 234) is passable with caution, with wet road, possible formation of ice in sectors. Mandatory carrying of chains. Loose animals. Equipment operating. The state of the Pte Collón Cura section (Emp. RN 234) – Confluencia (Emp. RP 63 and 65) is passable with caution, with wet road, possible formation of ice in sectors. Mandatory carrying of chains. Loose animals. Equipment operating. The state of the Confluencia – Emp section. RN 40 It is passable with caution, with wet roads, possible ice formation in sectors. Mandatory carrying of chains. Stray animals. Landslide zone. Operating equipment.
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.
The Road Authority indicated that the state ofThe 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 icy sections. stray animals. equipment operating. It is recommended not to travel at night. The state of Cutral-Có – Zapala section It is passable with caution, with icy sections. Intense traffic. Stray animals. Operating equipment. It is recommended not to travel at night.
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 – Barrancas section It is passable with caution, with wet roads. Probable formation of ice at night. Stray animals. The state of Las Lajas section (Emp. RN 242) – Chos Malal It is passable with caution, with wet road surface. Ice formation is possible at night. Loose animals. The state of the Zapala – Las Lajas section (Emp. RN 242) It is passable with caution, with icy sections. Mandatory carrying of chains. It is recommended not to travel at night. The state of Zapala – La Rinconada section (Emp. RN 234) is passable with caution, with some icy areas. The carrying of chains is mandatory. It is recommended not to travel at night. The state of the La Rinconada – Junín de los Andes – San Martín de los Andes section It is passable with caution, with slippery road due to rain. Mandatory carrying of chains. The state of the San Martín de los Andes – Acc. Chapelco section It is passable with caution, with a clear wet road. Mandatory carrying of chains. The state of Acc. Chapelco – Lake Villarino section is passable with caution, with clear wet road. mandatory carrying of chains. The state of the Villarino Lake section – Emp. RN 231 – Villa la Angostura is passable with caution, with some icy sections. It is mandatory to carry chains. It is recommended not to travel at night. The state of the Villa La Angostura – Emp section. RN 237 It is passable with caution, with icy sections. Mandatory wearing of chains. It is recommended not to travel at night. The state of section Emp. RN 237 – Pte Río Limay (Line c/Río Negro) It is passable with caution, with icy sections. Mandatory carrying of chains. Stone fall at km 2,095. Operating equipment
Traffic on Route 26 Caviahue – Copahue
The Route 26 It offers impressive scenery, especially in winter, when everything is covered in snow. This is also why it is one of the roads on which extreme caution must be taken when driving if the temperatures are low.
The Road Authority indicated that the state of the tLoncopué branch – Riscos Bayos – Hualcupén It is passable with caution, with icy sections. mandatory carrying of chains. The state of the section Hualcupén – Cajón Chico – Caviahue It is passable with caution, with no traffic at night. Ice and snow on the road. Mandatory carrying of chains. equipment operating. The state of Caviahue – Copahue section Do not drive at night. Ice and snow on the road. Mandatory use of chains. Equipment in operation.
Transit at international crossings
The Pino Hachado international pass: New 10HS report unimpossible. Equipment operating.
The Icalma international pass: Passable with caution. Sectors with ice. Mandatory carrying of chains.
The Hua Hum international pass: Passable with caution. Sectors with ice. Mandatory use of chains.
The Mamuil Malal international pass (formerly Tromen): Passable with caution. Sectors with ice. Mandatory use of chains.
The international Cardinal Samoré crossing: Opening hours to be confirmed.
How to know the status of the routes?
A paragraph about: As the situation on the routes can 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 so is by consulting the report published by the Provincial Road Directorate (DPV) of Neuquén on its website, which can be accessed by clicking here. 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?
The Road Safety Department has given a series of recommendations for dealing with unexpected encounters with animals on the roads. The first thing they recommend is to wait for the animals to move and move to the side of the road to let the vehicles pass. They also advise against honking the horn as this can scare and disperse the animals. Lastly, and most importantly, they recommend driving at low speed and with the lights on. ‘It is important to remember that there is a law in our province that allows animals to have the right of way and that protects them in the tracks of herds,’ explained the agency.
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 that you select the right type for your vehicle and road conditions, practice installing and removing them before you need them, slow down when driving with them, use them only in snowy or icy conditions, and check them regularly to ensure they are in good condition and working properly.
