Overview
- Authorities ordered a preventive closure starting Thursday night, with the Paso closed from 20:00 Argentina time and 19:00 Chile time and the Uspallata barrier set to close at 18:00.
- Snow fell on both sides of the high Andes and the corridor remained shut into Saturday while crews and coordinators inspected routes to decide whether to reopen.
- Internal traffic on Argentina’s Route 7 is allowed only up to Puente del Inca and drivers must carry snow chains, while the Paso Internacional Pehuenche also remains closed.
- Officials have urged freight operators, bus companies and private travelers to reprogram trips and follow official channels because reopening will require binational agreement that conditions are safe.
- Meteorological models predict a significant storm between July 15 and 20 that could force prolonged closures and worsen delays for freight, tourism and return travelers already facing long waits after intermittent reopening.