General Urquiza station on Line E will be closed for construction work: how long will the work last

The General Urquiza station on Line E of Buenos Aires' subway system will close starting Monday, August 3, as part of a citywide initiative to modernize and improve its infrastructure. The closure is part of the Integral Renewal Plan for Stations, led by Subterráneos de Buenos Aires (SBASE). According to government officials, the works are expected to last approximately three months. This move aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers through improved facilities and operational efficiency. Before the complete shutdown, preliminary work had already begun during non-business hours. These efforts included waterproofing, painting, replacing flooring, installing LED lighting, updating signage, and adding Braille guidance along handrails and platforms. New furniture such as benches, trash bins, and wheelchair supports were also installed in the stations. The measures were designed to prepare the site for more extensive renovations once the full closure commenced. Once the station is fully closed, the focus will shift to critical areas requiring service suspension, including access points, pedestrian staircases and mechanical rooms, vestibules, and platforms. To address moisture issues, workers will perform injection treatments, joint sealing, and apply an anti-corrosion coating made of aluminum and zinc to the ceiling to direct water flow and prevent leaks. These steps aim to ensure long-term durability and safety within the station’s structure. In addition to structural improvements, there will be a specialized restoration of the station's historic murals. This effort is being carried out by professionals under the guidelines of the City's Directorate General of Heritage, Museums, and Historic Districts, as well as the National Commission for Monuments, Places, and Historical Assets. The project underscores the city's commitment to preserving cultural heritage while upgrading public spaces. As part of the broader renewal plan, twenty subway stations have already undergone revitalization. On Line A, stations such as Piedras, Congress, Castro Barros, Lima, Loria, Acoyte, and Rio de Janeiro have been renovated. On Line B, stations include Uruguay, Pueyrredón, Pasteur-AMIA, Carlos Gardel, and Malabia. Line C has seen improvements at San Martin. Line D includes Facultad de Medicina, Agüero, Bulnes, Scalabrini Ortiz, Plaza Italia, and Palermo. On Line E, Jujuy and other Premetro stations have also benefited from the program. Currently, apart from the closure of General Urquiza, the Tribunal station on Line D remains out of service. The city plans to continue with further interventions at several other locations, including Alberti, Pasco, and Sáenz Peña on Line A; Medrano, Angel Gallardo, and Dorrego on Line B; Lavalle and Independence on Line C; and Entre Rios on Line E. These ongoing projects reflect a systematic approach to enhancing the entire subway network. The closures and renovations are part of a larger strategy to modernize Buenos Aires' transportation infrastructure. While some disruptions are inevitable, the city emphasizes that these changes will ultimately lead to safer, more accessible, and more efficient public transit options for residents and visitors alike. The work at General Urquiza represents both a practical necessity and a symbolic step toward improving the quality of urban life in one of South America's largest cities.