The MTOP studies ten proposals, but seeks an alternative that does not have a negative social or environmental impact.
The minister of Transportation and Public Works (MTOP), José Luis Faleroannounced that his portfolio continues working on the layout of what will be the first highway in Uruguay and that will join routes 101 and 8. However, the task is proving more arduous than expected: “There are ten proposals and from what we saw, none of them still convince us,” said the leader.
The possibility of building a highway that contributes to the traffic of the metropolitan area as a new alternative to the Interspa Route was received with optimism and enthusiasm by many. But when it began to plan its route, that is, where it would actually pass, problems began to arise.
The main drawback is environmental, since one of the routes passes over the basin of the Swan Lagoon, which would have a negative impact on wetlands, native forests and the water supply to some 150,000 people. And this is what a group of neighbors from neighborhoods such as Salinas Norte, Route 87, Route 34, Rincón de Pando, La Montañesa, Piedra del Toro, Camino Sosa Días, La Chinchilla, among others, let him know; together with social organizations, in a letter that they sent to the president Luis Lacalle Pou.
When consulted by Channel 10 in this regard, Minister Falero assured that he spoke with the residents of the area and that there is still no decision made on the route of the highway. “Their concern has to be considered, the route should not affect a protected area and that is why they are analyzing other alternatives, there is no definitive route,” he indicated.
In that sense, the leader pointed out that they are currently handling ten proposals for the layout but that “none of them still convince us,” while they are looking for the option that least negative impact generate. “We are seeking to ensure that the way to solve traffic pressure in the Interbalnearia does not generate social or environmental impacts,” he emphasized.
Environmental problems are the main obstacle
Certainly, the delays on the highway layout may delay the start of its construction, which had been announced by Falero to take place in October of this year. However, the environmental issues harmed by the initiative are not a new topic on the table of the MTOP: In January, the Municipality of Canelones had already warned about the environmental problems that the construction would have, while the original idea of the new transit alternative passed through two basins, and one of them provides drinking water to Gold Coast.
Although the then interim mayor – now in office after the resignation of Yamandú Orsi—Marcelo Metediera He assured that the department viewed the construction of the expressway between the Canarian commune and Montevideo, He also assured that the problems have to do with the territorial planning since the construction would go through two watersheds. Although one of them is not protected and there would be no problem in building nearby, while the other has a different situation.
This basin is Swan Lagoon, and its impact was also noted by the residents of the area in the letter sent to Lacalle Pou. Therefore, this was not the first time that the government became aware of the negative social and environmental impact of the project.
Source: Ambito
