Neuquén begins operation to clear stranded trucks near Chile border

Authorities in Neuquén have begun an operation to clear the massive backlog of heavy vehicles stranded due to border closures with Chile caused by intense snowfall. On Saturday, 70 trucks were released from the Centenario Autodrome and moved toward Cutral Co, Zapala, and Las Lajas, with the goal of eventually reaching the Pino Hachado international pass, provided weather and road conditions permit.

To date, approximately 130 trucks have been cleared for transit toward the border. The Centenario Autodrome was repurposed as a temporary staging area with a capacity for 500 vehicles, equipped with medical assistance, security, showers, and bathrooms to support drivers.

Despite these efforts, the situation remains critical. Provincial Civil Defense reports that more than 1,200 trucks remain stranded across various jurisdictions in the province, following a peak of over 1,500 vehicles reported earlier in the week.