The 12.5-kilometre (7.8 mi) line runs between Mendoza and General Gutierrez in Maipú, on 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gaugedouble-track rail. The Metrotranvía of Mendoza serves the metropolitan area of Mendoza, which includes the departments of Las Heras, Central district, Godoy Cruz, Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. Service operates from 6:00 to 22:00. The line has been named the Línea Verde, or Green Line.[2] The line operates on the right-hand side like road traffic, in contrast to the left-handed operation of the majority of the Argentine railway network.
History
In 2009 the Government of Mendoza Province signed an agreement to build a tram line between the cities of Mendoza and Maipú, at an estimated cost of AR$ 62,449,732.[7][8] Works were carried out by private companies Construcciones Electromecánicas del Oeste S.A. (CEOSA) and SOGESIC S.A.[9][10][11]
Project included a total refurbishment of Mendoza station, which had operated between 1885 and 1993 when it was closed by the national government.[12][13] The administrative building was reopened as a cultural centre named "Estación Cultural",[14]
An inauguration ceremony was held in February 2012,[2] but service did not begin at that time, as much of the construction work remained to be completed.[15] Starting on 29 April 2012 passengers were permitted to ride on occasional demonstration/trial services on a portion of the line. The system finally opened for regular service on 8 October 2012.[2]
2019 extension to Las Heras
In 2019, the main building at Mendoza railway station was completely remodeled, as part of an extension to Las Heras, Mendoza.[16] The rails used for this extension was manufactured in Spain, while the concrete sleepers were built in Argentina.[17][18][19] This extension included the construction of new level crossings, as well as the refurbishment of old railway stations.[19] This extension, bringing the Metrotranvía to Las Heras, Mendoza, opened to the public on 7 May 2019.[20][21][22] The Metrotranvía now ends at Avellaneda station, located on Avellaneda Street in Panquehua,[22] a neighborhood in Las Heras.
Future plans
A project currently planned will extend the line 4.8 km (3 mi) from Panquehua to El Plumerillo International Airport, and add another 15 km (9.3 mi) branch from the intermediate Godoy Cruz stop to Luján de Cuyo.[23][24] As of 2022, the airport extension was expected to open in 2025.[25] Meanwhile, the Luján de Cuyo branch, which is already under construction,[26][27] was initially planned to open in 2028. However, on 17 January 2024, it was announced that the Luján extension may open in 2027 instead.[5]
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