06/07/2026 15:39 - Actualidad
July 6, 2026 marks a major milestone for the road infrastructure of Mendoza, a prominent province located in the western central part of Argentina, famous for its wine production. Starting at 8:00 AM, remodeling work began on the Acceso Este (Route 22), the main highway connecting the metropolitan area to the eastern valleys. This highly anticipated project involves an investment of over 50 million dollars and will transform transitability by adding a much-needed third lane.
To minimize the impact on the more than 120,000 drivers who use this vital corridor daily, the Provincial Government strategically chose the start of the winter school holidays, a period characterized by historically lower traffic volumes. The project, managed by a UTE (a temporary business consortium) formed by construction companies Ayfra and Green, will be executed progressively to ensure that traffic is never completely interrupted.
In the department of Guaymallén (a densely populated district in Greater Mendoza) led by Mayor Marcos Calvente, tasks are concentrated on the section between Arturo González and Tirasso streets. The work focuses on the central median, where the new lane will be built.
The work method will be done in 500-meter blocks, progressively adding sections in the coming weeks until reaching a working area of 1.5 km. The good news is that there will be no total closures: drivers will be able to use the slow lane of the Acceso Este or detour through the parallel collector roads.
To assist drivers, the Municipality has deployed a permanent operation with 30 traffic inspectors distributed across different shifts, working with motorcycles and trucks at the main detour points. The collector roads have been repaved and cleared of parked vehicles to double traffic capacity.
Simultaneously, in the neighboring department of Maipú, renowned for its wineries, the intervention focuses on the south lane, between Medina Bridge and Las Margaritas, to execute shoulder reinforcement tasks. This measure will coexist with vehicular traffic without representing a total road closure.
For those traveling eastbound, a coordinated dynamic detour is in place to prevent bottlenecks:
Below is a clear table of the sections where lane reductions and closures are located so you can plan your trip in advance:
| Direction | Affected Sections |
|---|---|
| Towards San Martín (East) | Intersection with Tirasso Bridge (Guaymallén) Between Medina Bridge and Las Margaritas (Maipú) Between Serpa Bridge and Cervantes (Maipú) |
| Towards Mendoza City (West) | Intersection with Arturo González Bridge (Guaymallén) Between Lamadrid Bridge and Las Margaritas (Maipú) |
Source: MDZol and Diario El Sol Mendoza.
Although the first few days may require patience and planning, this 50-million-dollar project promises to modernize the province's main gateway. The third lane will significantly relieve traffic in the medium term, improving the quality of life for all residents of Mendoza. The official recommendation is clear: 'Plan your trip, leave with time'.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
