The Cristo Redentor International Pass remains closed for the 31st day, according to updates from Vialidad Nacional and regional reports from outlets like Minuto Ya and Sitio Andino. Severe winter weather, sub-zero temperatures, and heavy snowstorms continue to block the high-mountain corridor between Argentina and Chile, leaving thousands of freight truck drivers grounded as authorities draft emergency contingency plans.
Sub-Zero Temperatures Grip the High Mountain Pass
According to official reports, harsh freezing conditions dominate the mountain range, preventing road crews from maintaining a clear path. Morning temperature readings across the corridor highlight the severity of the cold front: Uspallata records 1°C, Punta de Vacas drops to -6°C, Puente del Inca reaches -9°C, and Las Cuevas records a frigid -10°C, as reported by Minuto Ya. Vialidad Nacional notes that while certain lower sections of National Route 7 feature scattered clouds and normal visibility, the upper stretch from Puente del Inca to the international tunnel remains completely impassable due to ice accumulation and blowing snow.
Alongside the Cristo Redentor corridor, the Pehuenche International Pass also remains closed, completely shutting off terrestrial border crossings between Mendoza and Chile. Meteorological forecasts indicate that heavy snow will persist across the high mountain passes through Sunday, August 16, keeping the route strictly off-limits to all vehicle types.
Logistical Crisis and Emergency Contingency Planning
The closure has triggered significant logistical strain and operational bottlenecks for freight transport across the region, according to coverage by Sitio Andino. In response to mounting delays and driver frustration, border control officials from both countries are holding virtual meetings to finalize a dynamic traffic release plan.
According to Sitio Andino, the contingency framework rests on three primary operational axes:
- Weather Window Monitoring: Officials are tracking forecasts that project a break in the storms starting Monday, August 17, which could allow a sustained weather improvement.
- Exclusive Heavy Freight Windows: Authorities plan to grant a priority transit window of at least 48 hours exclusively for commercial trucks once the pass reopens, temporarily restricting passenger cars and tourist traffic.
- Logistical Staging Areas: A tiered staging system using holding zones in locations such as Luján de Cuyo and Uspallata will manage truck volume to prevent severe infrastructure bottlenecks in higher elevations.
Border officials caution that even if weather conditions improve on Monday, normalizing total traffic flow will require several days of continuous operational work. Authorities urge motorists to avoid traveling toward the cordillera while weather alerts and transit restrictions remain in effect.
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