Encarnación prepares World Rally stages, seeks road upgrades

Encarnación, Paraguay, is gearing up to host stages of the 2026 World Rally Championship, with significant preparations underway to enhance the racing experience. The city's municipality and the Itapúa provincial government are collaborating on the designated rally route, located between the Quiteria and San Antonio Ypecurú neighborhoods.

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We are awaiting the improvement of the climate to re-gravel this section.

Key to these preparations is the improvement of a roughly 5-kilometer gravel road section, much of which runs alongside the Quiteria stream's sub-embankment. Organizers have also requested interventions on access roads in the Quiteria neighborhood, which will be utilized by competitors. These improvements involve leveling cobblestone streets and repairing deteriorated asphalt sections.

This year marks Encarnación's debut as a host city for the rally, a distinction expected to draw a considerable influx of tourists. However, the preparations are dependent on the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC). The city is awaiting the ministry's response regarding the repair of neighborhood roads and alternative access routes.

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We have a request from the organizers to intervene in access roads in the Quiteria neighborhood, which will be used by competitors.

Crucially, the city is coordinating with the MOPC to establish improved access to the General Itapúa Hospital. This is vital for safety protocols, ensuring a direct connection between the competition area and the medical facility. The need for better alternative routes is underscored by past experiences, where a lack of sufficient roads led to traffic jams exceeding 10 kilometers during peak hours last year. Organizers are also requesting the asphalt paving of the Route PY06 collector road to add circulation lanes.

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We asked the MOPC if the Route PY06 collector road could be asphalted, to add circulation lanes.