Catamarca continues to implement a road infrastructure plan aimed at strengthening connectivity across the province's western region, home to some of Argentina's most important lithium projects. As part of this strategy, the Provincial Roads Directorate has launched the second phase of the Chuquisaca–Antofagasta de la Sierra road, a project intended to improve links between the departments of Tinogasta, Belén and Antofagasta de la Sierra.
By Panorama Minero
The project covers more than 100 kilometres. A first phase completed 25 kilometres through a mountainous section, while the new stage includes an additional 80 kilometres, with work already underway on the first 27 kilometres across challenging high-altitude terrain.
Construction is progressing from El Peñón along Provincial Route 43 to its junction with Provincial Route 34. Once completed, the road will improve connectivity between Fiambalá and Antofagasta de la Sierra, two of Argentina's main lithium districts, where companies including Rio Tinto, POSCO and Zijin Liex operate projects and production facilities.
As part of the same infrastructure plan, the provincial government also confirmed that tenders will be launched in August for the first bridge and drainage structures along the road to Laguna Blanca. The works will be financed through the provincial mining trust fund, a mechanism that channels mining-related resources into infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, road safety and transportation conditions for communities in northern Belén Department.
The broader road investment program also includes works along Provincial Route 43, where more than 20 kilometres have already been paved toward the Salta provincial border, as well as a new phase of restoration works on the historic Cuesta de Zapata road, which connects Tinogasta with Londres in Belén Department.
Additional projects include the construction of bypasses in Andalgalá, Antofagasta de la Sierra and Belén, aimed at improving traffic flow and strengthening road infrastructure across the province. In Belén, the tender process for the complementary civil works is already underway.
Fernando Castillo, Director of the Provincial Roads Directorate, highlighted the continuation of projects considered strategic for provincial connectivity, while Governor Raúl Jalil said the infrastructure plan will contribute to integrating western Catamarca while supporting both productive activities and tourism development across the region.
