| Work Detail |
natural beauty and connectivity. These two elements are what come together in one of the most emblematic routes in Neuquén. The works that are carried out coexist with life stories and an environment full of araucarias.
Work on Route 23 in Neuquén is advancing and in its wake it leaves more than asphalt . Photo: Alejandro Carnevale
Work on Route 23 in Neuquén advances and leaves more than asphalt behind. Photo: Alejandro Carnevale
Natural beauty and connectivity. These two elements are the ones that come together on Provincial Route 23, one of the most emblematic of Neuquén. Perhaps for this reason, the culmination of the paving works are so required, not only by the local inhabitants, but also by those who continually make the way to reach the tourist spots.
In its 188 kilometer length, Route 23 starts at the junction with National Route 242, near Pino Hachado, and ends at the junction with National Route 40, in Junín de los Andes. The extensive tour is appreciated for the presence of araucarias, cliffs and the captivating landscape of the Litrán and Aluminé rivers. In addition, it connects to the road to Moquehue and Villa Pehuenia.
The first of three stages of works that will seek to improve transitivity and provide security, especially in times of snowfall, are currently being developed on the route.
The works on stage 1 of Route 23: Alejandro Carnevale
The present of a mega-work
The execution of the tasks are in charge of the company CN Sapag, and they focus on the tasks of leveling and installation of embankments on more than 20 kilometers, of the stage that includes from its access near the Pino Hachado International Pass to the Jara Post. The deployment began in 2022 and has an estimated budget of 5 billion pesos managed by the Provincial Unit for Liaison and Execution of Projects with External Financing (UPEFE).
The organization that seeks funds for the development of works explained to RÍO NEGRO that the budget includes 20% of the contract. The money came through the Development Bank of Latin America (formerly known as the Andean Development Corporation, (CAF)) and the Federal Trust Fund for Regional Infrastructure (FFFIR).
Jorge Ferrería, the head of the Provincial Unit for the Execution of Projects with External Financing (Upefe) explained that "so far, 35% of the work of this first stage has been carried out and meeting the deadlines, with 8 months of execution in an available period of 24 months”.
In parallel, it was announced that the administrative and bidding process for the other phases of the mega project is advanced. Stages 2 and 3 include the sections Litran - Puesto Jara and Rahue - Pilo Lil, respectively.
Stage 2 already has a feasible offer from the construction company Perfil. While the works of stage 3, could be left in the hands of the temporary union (UTE) of the companies RJ Ingeniería and CN Sapag.
Ferrería explained that stage 1 must stop and make a "closed season" for several months when heavy snowfall begins, since the machines cannot operate. This stoppage of tasks is not necessary for stages 2 and 3, for this reason the work will be intensified in those sectors as soon as the companies that will take charge are designated.
Women to the machines!
Catalina Bejar is 30, was born in Allen but has lived for many years in Piedra del Águila and is the first machinist to work on the Ruta 23 project. In addition to being a source of pride for her family, she is an example for other road workers who joined the awarded company.
"I started working as a banderillera in another construction site, in Villa Traful, and then they called me for 23," the young woman who broke the rule in the field and got on the heavy machines used in the field told RÍO NEGRO.
Catalina explains that driving a compactor is "fulfilling the dream of her life", since as a child she imagined herself working with heavy machinery. That tenacity is what earned her the respect of her colleagues and also encouraged other women to join her. "Today there are other girls who work with me, and they are learning to operate machinery," she recounted.
"They explained to me very patiently and then I got my card, today I have to explain to other women," the young woman from Neuquén proudly narrated.
Regarding his family, he highlighted the support he receives from his siblings and parents, in addition his partner also works on the Route 23 construction site, for which he highlighted the "respect in the entire workshop."
Catalina, like all road workers, starts the day very early, exposing herself to risky situations during work and enduring the inclemencies of an area of ??Neuquén that not everyone is willing to face.
In a commitment to maintain the beauty that accompanies the path of Route 23, the Environment Department of the Municipality of Villa Pehuenia - Moquehue and the company that carries out the work, committed to strengthening the afforestation of the araucaria characteristics that enchant the visitors.
For this reason, through the Planta Futuro program, pehuén specimens were planted in the native forest that shares space with the section that goes from Villa Pehuenia to Pino Hachado.
In total, the companys staff, municipal workers and neighbors afforested 100 araucarias, contrasting the road development with the impressive greenery of a unique species.
The action also served to put into practice all the training work on the care and conservation of the environment that is carried out by the company. |
