Uruguay: Route 11 renovated after investment of US$13 million

This is an automated translation of the original release published in Spanish.

Press release from the Ministry of Transport and Public Works of Uruguay

The works include the construction of four roundabouts, the adaptation of six junctions, the installation of 351 LED lights at intersections, the construction of two third lanes on a three-kilometer section, the creation of a concrete cycle path on the old route 11 (Santa Lucía), the restoration of the old Santa Lucía bridge and the rehabilitation of 15 kilometers on different sections of the road.

The inauguration ceremony for these rehabilitation and maintenance works on Route 11, which cover the section from Ecilda Paullier to Atlántida, in the departments of San José and Canelones, was held this Tuesday, October 15. It was attended by the President of the Republic, Luis Lacalle Pou, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, José Luis Falero, and the Mayor of San José, Ana Bentaberri.

The works consisted of the construction of new roundabouts and lighting at the junctions of Route 11 with Route 45 (Ciudad Rodríguez), Route 78 (Capurro) and Route 79 (Ituzaingó), as well as at the access to the city of Raigón (on Route 11 km. 55), 18 de Julio and Pueblo Nuevo. The tasks included leveling the land, placing layers of gravel and asphalt mix, and creating wider and safer roundabouts for vehicular traffic. A total of 351 LED lights were installed at the aforementioned junctions and on the old Route 5 (Santa Lucía).

On various sections of Route 11, patching, milling and new layers of asphalt were laid, including complete rehabilitation of the pavement in areas that required deep sanitation, ensuring greater durability and comfort in traffic.

A concrete cycle path was built on the old Route 11, connecting the stretch between this road and the city of Santa Lucía, promoting sustainable and safe mobility for cyclists. In addition, the old bridge over the Santa Lucía River was restored, with the repair of railings and the installation of new posts and safety systems.

Two new third lanes were also added on Route 11, km 56.600 to facilitate overtaking at points with the highest traffic density, reducing travel times and increasing safety.

Luis Mackinnon, Director of SERVIAM, the company carrying out the works, expressed his pride in the "string of works on Route 11" and stated that these interventions represent an economic and productive advance, but above all a human development that will be valued by the residents of the area.

The Mayor of San José, Ana Bentaberri, stressed the importance of having this back-and-forth with national actors. She praised the "strategic alliances that allow us to take firm steps... and continue to advance for the community."

Minister Falero said with conviction that “there is a before and after here.” He recalled that these works were requested by file sent to the MTOP more than 20 years ago. “Everything we have planned we have transformed into works, we do not keep it in drawers.” He also reported that in the last two years 51 traffic accidents were recorded on this roundabout of routes 11 and 79. “In Uruguay, when you want it, you can. When a government is clear that what is important is the people, there is political will and a government team that supports, all this is possible,” concluded Falero.

For his part, the President stressed the importance of optimizing resources and respect for citizens, pointing out that the true political vocation is to turn challenges into opportunities. He also highlighted the excellence of Uruguayan human resources. “Every day there is a community benefiting from the actions of the government,” he stressed.

These improvements, carried out by the company SERVIAM, aim to improve road safety and facilitate connectivity in the region. The total investment in the works reached 13 million dollars.

The National Director of Roads, Hernán Ciganda; the Secretary of the Municipality of San José, Sebastián Ferraro; the Mayors of Santa Lucía and Ecilda Paullier, Leonardo Mollo and Leonardo Giménez respectively; the President of OSE, Raúl Montero; departmental councilors of San José, as well as other national, departmental and local representatives, were also present at the opening ceremony.