The presidential delegate of the O'Higgins Region, Susana Pinto, assured that the truckers mobilized in the area committed to keeping traffic open and not blocking routes, amid the second day of national union demonstrations.
In conversation with La Tercera Editorial Staff, the authority detailed that there are currently three concentration points in the region: kilometer 112 of Route 5 South, near Rengo; kilometer 139.8, in the San Fernando sector; and Route I-90, on the way to Santa Cruz, specifically in the Apalta sector.
Regarding the first two points, Pinto explained that the most complex situation is registered in Rengo, where transporters are positioned in both directions of the highway, keeping only one lane clear for vehicular traffic. This has generated congestion, with nearly four kilometers of vehicles accumulated during certain moments of the day.
In San Fernando, meanwhile, the trucks are staying in the western lane, alongside the shoulder, while in Apalta the mobilization is also taking place on the road shoulder.
When asked about the possibility of the demonstrations escalating into total blockades, the delegate maintained that during conversations held with the leaders the previous day, they committed not to completely interrupt circulation.
"They commit that under no circumstances they will..."
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The presidential delegate of the O’Higgins Region, Susana Pinto, stated that the truckers mobilized in the region committed to keeping traffic open and not blocking roads, amid the second day of the union’s nationwide demonstrations. In a conversation with Desde la Redacción of La Tercera, the official detailed that there are currently three gathering points in the region: kilometer 112 of Ruta 5 Sur, near Rengo; kilometer 139.8, in the San Fernando area; and Ruta I-90, on the road to Santa Cruz, specifically in the Apalta sector. Regarding the first two points, Pinto explained that the most complex situation is in Rengo, where the transporters are stationed on both sides of the highway, keeping only one lane clear for vehicular traffic. This has caused congestion, with nearly four kilometers of accumulated vehicles at certain moments of the day. In San Fernando, meanwhile, the trucks remain on the westbound lane, at the side of the shoulder, while in Apalta the mobilization is also taking place on the shoulder of the road. Asked about the possibility that the demonstrations could escalate into total blockades, the delegate said that during conversations held with union leaders the previous day, they committed to not completely interrupting traffic. “They commit that under no circumstances will they cut off the road, and they understand even more so today that their representatives are already sitting with the Interior undersecretary (Claudio Alvarado) awaiting some agreements,” she said. Regarding security and public order, Pinto indicated that Carabineros remains deployed at the various mobilization points and that the situation is being permanently monitored. She also recalled that Law 21.208, known as the Anti-Barricade Law, establishes penalties for those who completely interrupt the free movement of people or vehicles on public roads without authorization. The official also confirmed that on Monday, in the San Fernando area, ten fines for obstructing the road were issued to the first transporters who set up there. “They cannot obstruct the free transit of other vehicles; therefore, if there is a total obstruction, there will clearly be situations involving fines,” she explained, adding that so far it has not been necessary for the presidential delegation to take legal action over the mobilizations. As for the effects of the stoppage on the region’s operations, Pinto said that no significant disruptions to supply have been recorded. According to her, the Energy Ministry’s regional office (Seremi de Energía) and the Superintendence of Electricity and Fuels held meetings with representatives of fuel and gas suppliers, who conveyed reassurance regarding the availability of these products. Finally, she ruled out any impact on the transport of agricultural production to the port of San Antonio via Ruta I-66, known as the Carretera de la Fruta. “There is no obstruction at any point on the I-66,” she affirmed, specifying that Carabineros teams carry out periodic reports to monitor the situation in the various municipalities. See the full interview here: