The Federation of Freight Transport Entrepreneurs (Fedetranscarga) issued a statement in which it expressed its “deep concern” about the total closure of the Medellín–Bogotá Highway in the Santuario–Caño Alegre section, jurisdiction of San Luis (Antioquia), after the collapse of around 60,000 cubic meters of earth that buried the road since the early hours of Tuesday, February 24.
The federation warned that this corridor is a strategic axis for cargo transportation in the country and that the interruption is generating direct effects on mobility between the center and the northwest of the country.
You can now follow us on Facebook and in our WhatsApp Channel
“The total closure of this section, as a result of the slide of material generated by the intense rains, directly impacts mobility between the center of the country and the Colombian northwest, affecting the permanent flow of food, industrial inputs, mass consumer goods, containerized cargo and goods destined for distribution and export centers. This road is not only a regional corridor; it is a structural component of the national logistics chain,” the letter indicated.
According to Fedetranscarga, the closure represents an increase in travel times, requires taking longer alternative routes, It generates greater fuel consumption, increases cost overruns in tolls and vehicle maintenance, “as well as a reduction in the productivity of the vehicle fleet.”
He added that “each day of closure implies economic losses that can amount to billions of pesos,” considering the additional operating costs and the risk of contractual breaches, which affects both transporters, cargo generators and final consumers.
Additionally, the diversion of traffic to corridors with lower capacity has caused additional congestion and delays.adding operational risks in a context of unstable climate that requires constant monitoring and technical management.
“The contingency immediately transfers the vehicular flow to alternative routes, generating greater demand on corridors with limited operational capacities. This redistribution increases congestion levels, increases transit times and increases exposure to operational risks, especially in a climate scenario that requires permanent monitoring, preventive risk management and agile and coordinated technical intervention by the competent authorities,” the union specifically indicated.
Fedetranscarga requested the National Government, the National Highway Institute (Invías) and the National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) to prioritize the removal of debris and the stabilization of the corridor; in addition, maintain clear technical information on progress and take preventive measures to avoid future closures.
“Fedetranscarga will continue to permanently monitor this emergency and will keep its members informed of any relevant progress,” the union concluded.
The removal work carried out by Invías takes more than 72 hours. Three excavators and 14 dump trucks are working in the area with the expectation of opening at least one lane in the next 24 hours, according to preliminary estimates from the authorities.
Meanwhile, communities and transporters face long waits and journeys on foot to carry out their daily activities. Some affected people reported that the detour or walk to cross the blocked section can take up to two hours.
“Since last night, and, well, they haven’t solved anything for us. Well, here, maluco, in the meantime, they say if we leave or wait here or what do we do… Turning around, it’s impossible. It takes us a long time and we go back… And from here to there, we’re going to see if there is transportation. If not, walking. About two hours, I think, to get down to the intersection. No, well, here there, if there is no one to travel from here to there, about two hours,” said one of those affected, quoted by Blu Radio.
A new construction front was enabled in the area and it is recommended to take alternative routes such as Medellín–Cisneros–Puerto Berrío or Medellín–Manizales–Bogotá. Invías foresees that, If weather conditions remain favorable, the partial opening of the road could be achieved on February 28.
