20/06/2026 03:29 - Actualidad
Paso bajo nivel ferroviario moderno iluminado con autos transitando, veredas peatonales, vegetación y señalización urbana en un barrio residencial de Buenos Aires
On Friday, June 19, 2026, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires officially opened the Federico García Lorca Underpass in the Caballito neighborhood. This project removes one of the most problematic level crossings on the Sarmiento commuter rail line, significantly improving traffic flow and neighborhood connectivity.
The new tunnel is located just meters from Caballito station, the first stop after Once terminal, and allows vehicles and pedestrians to cross the tracks without waiting for barriers to lift—a common frustration for residents and visitors alike.
An underpass (called "paso bajo nivel" in Spanish) is a tunnel that allows traffic to pass beneath railway tracks. Unlike level crossings where barriers close every time a train approaches, underpasses guarantee uninterrupted circulation 24/7.
These infrastructure projects are essential in large cities because they:
The Sarmiento railway is one of the most important commuter lines in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. It connects Once station (downtown Buenos Aires) with the town of Moreno, passing through densely populated neighborhoods.
The line is named after Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, a 19th-century Argentine president and intellectual. Thousands of passengers use it daily to commute to work, school, or conduct business in the city center.
Caballito is one of Buenos Aires' most populated and vibrant neighborhoods, located in the geographic center of the city. Known for its commercial activity, restaurants, and cultural life, it serves as a key hub for transportation and commerce.
The name "Caballito" means "little horse" in Spanish, derived from a historic weather vane shaped like a horse that once marked a popular pulpería (traditional store) in the area during the 19th century.
With the underpass now open, the temporary crossing at Martín de Gainza street has been closed. The City Government also implemented traffic circulation changes:
| Street | New Traffic Direction |
|---|---|
| Gainza (Aranguren to Avellaneda) | Toward Avellaneda |
| Gainza (Avellaneda to tracks) | Two-way traffic |
| Gainza (Yerbal to tracks) | Two-way traffic |
| Gainza (Yerbal to Rivadavia) | Toward Yerbal |
| Repetto (Bacacay to Bogotá) | Toward Bogotá |
Although the underpass is fully operational, some finishing touches remain:
The new underpass is located at the intersection of Federico García Lorca street and the Sarmiento railway tracks, in the heart of Caballito. The street name honors the famous Spanish poet and playwright murdered during the Spanish Civil War.
This project represents another milestone in Buenos Aires' ongoing effort to eliminate railway barriers, improving quality of life and urban mobility throughout the city.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
