Argentina-Chile border crossing reopens after 34-day closure, clearing backlog of 3,000 trucks

After a historic 34-day closure caused by extreme snow and wind, the crucial border crossing between Argentina and Chile, the Sistema Integrado Cristo Redentor (SICR), is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The prolonged shutdown, initiated by severe weather on July 14 and compounded by operational challenges in clearing the route, had drawn significant criticism from the cargo transport sector.

With favorable forecasts and the route now cleared up to the tunnel entrance on both sides of the Andes, authorities will begin allowing traffic to resume. Over 3,000 trucks, with priority given to those already documented, are expected to cross into Chile. Approximately half of these are foreign-registered vehicles. The decision to reopen was made after a binational meeting on border affairs, establishing a detailed logistical schedule for the coming days based on reports of safe transitability and favorable weather conditions.

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It is a joy to know that the pass will be opened.

Trucks waiting in Mendoza, Argentina, will be able to cross on August 18, 19, and 20. Those on the Chilean side will cross on August 21 and 22. Transit will be permitted daily between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Argentine time (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Chilean time).

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First will go the 250 trucks that are already documented in the Uspallata staging area, and so the replacement of transport that is in different areas of the province will be done, so it is requested to exercise extreme caution when circulating on the route, especially in shaded areas where there may be ice.

The Association of Truck Owners of Mendoza (Aprocam) celebrated the reopening after weeks of complaints regarding delays in route clearing and inadequate resources at Argentine border camps. "It is a joy to know that the pass will be opened," said Aprocam president Carlos Messina. He noted that the first 250 documented trucks from the Uspallata staging area will depart first, followed by others from various locations in the province. Messina also reiterated the significant economic impact of the closure, particularly due to supply shortages reported by Chile for food products, merchandise, and supplies.

Economic losses are estimated at $500 per truck per day, totaling over $45 million for the approximately 3,000 trucks stranded for at least 30 days. Beyond the reopening, industry representatives and transporters from both nations are urging for urgent investments in avalanche prevention technology and improved border coordination. They also call for the allocation of necessary funds to maintain and improve the infrastructure.

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We hope that the authorities will monitor and inform about the state of the road.