The road crisis adds sentences that are far from generating effects on the routes

The Argentine road crisis has reached a new stage with judicial rulings aimed at addressing the severe deterioration of national highways. However, these decisions have yet to translate into tangible improvements on the roads. In recent weeks, several judges across the country have ruled on cases related to the state's failure to maintain infrastructure, but the outcomes remain largely symbolic rather than practical. Judges in various provinces have issued orders requiring the National Directorate of Highways (DNV) to repair critical sections of major routes. One notable case involves Judge Aurelio Cuello Murúa of Venado Tuerto, who ordered the immediate and comprehensive repair of National Routes 7, 8, and 33 through General López Department in southern Santa Fe. The ruling followed an appeal filed by Senator Leticia Di Gregorio of Unidos para Cambiar Santa Fe in March 2025. It took 17 months for the court to issue its decision, highlighting the slow pace of legal action and the limited authority of local judges over national agencies. This ruling is part of a broader trend. Over the past year and four months, at least four provinces have seen similar judicial interventions. In June 2025, Judge Aldo Alurralde ordered repairs to more than 110 kilometers of Route 11 between Santa Fe and San Justo following an appeal by Congressman José Manuel Corral. The order was confirmed by the Chamber in September. In the same month, Judge Pablo Morán in Formosa mandated the DNV to address potholes, seal cracks, and clean shoulders along Routes 11, 81, 86, and 95, based on a joint effort by multiple civil society organizations. In November 2025, the Federal Court of Tartagal ordered the repair and resurfacing of 198 kilometers of Route 34 between Urundel and Salvador Mazza. In May 2026, Judge Cuello Murúa, this time from Rafaela, granted a precautionary measure requested by Senator Felipe Michlig regarding approximately 50 kilometers of the same route. In July 2026, the Federal Court of Mar del Plata ordered the DNV and Corredores Viales to submit a repair plan within ten days and complete the work within 120 days after 11 accidents in six months. The situation in Salta illustrates the ongoing challenges. A precautionary measure was issued in November 2025, which the government appealed. The Provincial Federal Court of Salta rejected the appeal in February 2026, making the measure binding. The 90-day deadline expired in April, but the DNV submitted an update in December and later ceased providing regular reports. By August 2026, the condition of the roads remained unchanged. Returning to the latest ruling by Judge Cuello Murúa, the affected routes, Routes 7, 8, and 33, are now under concession agreements valid for 20 years, as per Resolution 1149/2026 dated July 28, 2026. This means that when the DNV receives an order, it could argue that there is already an active contract in place outlining future maintenance plans. If the defendant is the concessionaire, they can present their approved works plan, which was developed through public hearings and is currently in effect. Thus, the effectiveness of such rulings appears delayed. As the DNV continues to defend itself using familiar arguments, the question remains whether these judicial actions will lead to meaningful change or merely serve as another layer of bureaucracy in an already complex system. The road conditions continue to reflect the lack of consistent policy and investment, leaving the fate of Argentina’s transportation network uncertain.