The company Caminos del Río Uruguay (CRUSA) has reported "serious breaches" by the National State in previously signed contracts, following the government's decision to auction the concession of routes. Since 2009, the company has indicated that the State has violated the contract, which has affected the viability of the concession and the service of routes 12 and 14.
National Route 12 is a crucial highway that connects the Mesopotamian region with the rest of the country, linking the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, and Buenos Aires. With a total length of 1,560 kilometers fully paved, this road mostly runs along the eastern bank of the Paraná River in its Argentine section. On the other hand, Route 14, known as José Gervasio Artigas, is one of the most traveled roads in the country as it serves as a point of entry for commercial traffic from Brazil.
CRUSA has expressed that it collects less than 30% of the contractual value, which prevents it from properly maintaining the roads, paying salaries, and meeting financial commitments, unlike other concessionaires that have received subsidies. This situation poses a risk to road safety, according to the company.
Due to the lack of fare adjustments and the government's refusal to renegotiate the contract, CRUSA has warned the authorities about the deterioration of the corridor. The company was forced to sue the State and initiate a preventive concurso in 2023, which was approved in August 2024. As the new bidding process established by decree 28/25 does not regularize the current concession, CRUSA is demanding a settlement agreement that allows it to meet its obligations and avoid bankruptcy.
