Sarmiento Train Tunnel in Caballito: New Crossing Alternative
Caballito Residents Navigate Temporary Traffic Shift as Underpass Construction Begins
BUENOS AIRES — Motorists in the Caballito neighborhood are adjusting to a new traffic pattern this week as construction commences on an underpass designed to eliminate a surface-level rail crossing. The project, part of a broader city initiative to improve traffic flow and safety, necessitates a temporary rerouting of traffic.
As of Sunday, the García Lorca street crossing over the Sarmiento Railroad tracks is closed. A temporary crossing has been established one block away, at martín de Gainza street, to accommodate vehicles.
The underpass is a key component of the city’s “plan Without barriers,” which aims to replace all at-grade rail crossings with safer, more efficient alternatives. While the city has evaluated the construction of six underpasses as mid-2024, some projects have faced opposition from local residents. The current project represents an investment of between $7 million and $13 million.
City officials say the García Lorca underpass is needed because more then 500 vehicles per hour use the crossing, and the barrier remains lowered for an average of 34 minutes each hour. Eliminating the crossing will also allow for increased frequency of train service, officials said.
The underpass, being built by Urban Highways (AUSA), will span from Bogotá street to Yerbal street, near the Caballito train station. It will be a one-way tunnel for northbound traffic. A pedestrian walkway with stairs and ramps will also be constructed. The project includes improvements to the surrounding public space, with new pathways and landscaping planned.
AUSA anticipates the underpass will be open to traffic by April 2026.”This is a very vital project for the residents of Caballito,” said Pablo Bereciartua, Minister of Porteño Urban Mobility, in a statement. “Along with integrating the neighborhood, it improves mobility and reduces the risk of traffic accidents. Pedestrians,cyclists,motorcyclists,and motorists will have a safer crossing.”
Another underpass project is underway on Irigoyen street in villa Luro, also on the Sarmiento Railway line. While traffic has not yet been rerouted there, AUSA confirmed that preliminary work is underway, including surveys and construction of a temporary crossing.
The city recently announced the construction of the la Pampa Ring, a double-lane tunnel that will pass under the Illia highway and the Belgrano Norte railroad tracks. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with an estimated completion date by the end of 2027. The project represents an investment of $50 billion.
To accommodate the temporary crossing at Martín de Gainza, traffic patterns in the area have been adjusted. Martín de Gainza will now be one-way northbound between Yerbal and Aranguren streets, and one-way southbound between Yerbal and Rivadavia streets. Additionally,one block of Repetto Street,between Bacacay and Bogotá,will become a two-way street.
Navigating the Caballito Underpass Construction: Your Essential Guide
What’s Happening in Caballito?
Q: What’s the main story in Caballito right now?
A: Motorists in the Caballito neighborhood of Buenos Aires are experiencing traffic adjustments due to the commencement of construction on an underpass. This project aims to eliminate a surface-level rail crossing and improve traffic flow and safety, requiring temporary rerouting.
Q: Why is this underpass being built?
A: The underpass is part of the city’s “Plan Without Barriers,” designed to replace hazardous at-grade rail crossings with safer, more efficient alternatives. the goal is to improve both traffic flow and safety for all road users.
Traffic Rerouting and Changes
Q: Which street is affected by the construction, and what’s the temporary solution?
A: The García Lorca street crossing over the Sarmiento Railroad tracks is closed. A temporary crossing has been established one block away on Martín de Gainza street to accommodate vehicles.
Q: What are the specific traffic changes on Martín de gainza and Repetto streets?
A: To accommodate the temporary crossing:
Martín de Gainza is now one-way northbound between Yerbal and Aranguren streets.
Martín de Gainza is one-way southbound between Yerbal and Rivadavia streets.
One block of repetto Street (between Bacacay and Bogotá) has become a two-way street.
Q: Has there been any disruption to traffic on Irigoyen street?
A: Not yet. While another underpass project is underway on Irigoyen street in villa Luro, preliminary work, including surveys and temporary crossing construction, has begun, but traffic hasn’t been rerouted in that area yet.
Impact and Timeline
Q: Why is this underpass needed?
A: City officials state the García Lorca underpass is crucial because over 500 vehicles per hour use the crossing, and the barrier remains down for an average of 34 minutes each hour. Eliminating the crossing will also allow for more frequent train service.
Q: What are the key features of the García lorca underpass project?
A: The project encompasses:
An underpass spanning from Bogotá Street to Yerbal Street, near the Caballito train station.
A one-way tunnel for northbound traffic.
A pedestrian walkway with stairs and ramps.
* Improvements to the surrounding public space, including new pathways and landscaping.
Q: When is the underpass expected to be completed?
A: The García Lorca underpass is anticipated to be open to traffic by April 2026.
Q: What is the anticipated traffic betterment by the officials?
A: According to Pablo Bereciartua, Minister of Porteño Urban Mobility, this “very vital project” will “integrate the neighborhood, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of traffic accidents.”
Project Costs & Future Plans
Q: How much is being invested in the García Lorca underpass?
A: The project represents an investment of between $7 million and $13 million.
Q: What other major infrastructure projects are underway in Buenos Aires?
A: The city recently announced the construction of the La Pampa ring, a double-lane tunnel underneath the Illia Highway and Belgrano Norte railroad tracks. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with an estimated completion date by the end of 2027.
Q: How does the La Pampa Ring project compare in terms of investment?
A: The La pampa Ring represents a $50 billion investment.
Q: Can you summarize the key projects and their timelines in an easy-to-read format?
A: Certainly! Here’s a swift comparison:
| Project | Location | Estimated Investment | Expected Completion | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| García Lorca Underpass | Caballito | $7 million – $13 million | April 2026 | Elimination of at-grade rail crossing, northbound one-way tunnel. |
| Irigoyen Street Underpass | Villa Luro | (Facts not available) | (information not available) | Elimination of at-grade rail crossing. |
| La Pampa Ring | Under Illia highway and Belgrano Norte railroad tracks | $50 billion | End of 2027 | Double-lane tunnel. |
further Considerations
Q: Why might some local residents oppose these underpass projects?
A: The article notes that some underpass projects have faced opposition, but it doesn’t specify the reasons. Opposition to infrastructure projects can often arise from concerns about disruption during construction, changes to neighborhood aesthetics, potential impact on local businesses, or property values.