Construction of the connection between the La Plata-Buenos Aires Highway and Camino Centenario in City Bell continues, and alongside it, an ambitious tree restoration plan has been launched. This initiative, spearheaded by the state-owned company AUBASA, aims to offset the environmental impact of the highway infrastructure and, at the same time, improve the quality of the urban environment in the northern part of the La Plata district.
The road project, which includes 2,1 kilometers of new two-way road , involves the construction of overpasses across the Roca Railway tracks and the MartÃn and Carnaval streams, as well as an embankment to improve connectivity. In parallel, a reforestation plan has been designed that exceeds initial requirements and prioritizes native species.
Tree management and environmental criteria
To carry out the works on Camino Centenario, it was necessary to remove some of the trees located in the work area. According to AUBASA, the trees removed are mainly exotic and invasive species , such as black acacia (Gleditsia triacanthos) and various eucalyptus varieties, which do not contribute significant ecological value to the local ecosystem. The selection was made prioritizing the conservation of native species and minimizing environmental impact, always in accordance with current regulations.
More replanting and a focus on native species
The Environmental Restoration Plan designed by AUBASA has gone a step beyond its initial scope. The replacement rate has been increased from three to five native species for every tree removed , significantly boosting the reforestation effort . A total of 286 trees and shrubs will be planted, comprising 130 trees and 156 shrubs. The selected tree species are ceibo (37), cina cina (33), fumo bravo (33), and molle incense (27). The chosen shrubs are senna (14), elderberry (16), marguerite daisy (42), salmon marshmallow (14), pink marshmallow (50), and pampas grass (20).
The company's objective, according to the company, is not only to offset the impact of the construction project, but also to enhance the area's forest heritage and strengthen biodiversity . The landscaping proposal seeks to create a "parkway" concept, where the road infrastructure coexists with higher-quality green spaces, harmoniously integrating the highway with the surrounding environment.
Communication and regulatory compliance
As part of its transparency strategy, AUBASA will install environmental information signs along Camino Centenario. These signs will explain the details of the reforestation plan to residents and users, clarifying that the tree removal is an authorized intervention and is accompanied by a reforestation program using native species. The aim is to avoid misunderstandings and provide clear information about the process.
From a legal standpoint, the project has an Environmental Impact Study approved in 2019 and the corresponding Environmental Impact Statement issued by the Province of Buenos Aires in 2021 (Resolution 127-2021). In 2026, an environmental improvement assessment report was submitted and accepted by the relevant authorities. The entire process has been carried out in accordance with the General Environmental Law and the Comprehensive Environmental Law of the province , ensuring that mitigation measures, such as expanded reforestation, comply with regulations.
Thus, the construction of the new access road in City Bell is progressing, combining road infrastructure with actions aimed at reducing environmental impact and improving the urban environment. The commitment to a "parkway" with native species and a five-to-one replacement rate represents a significant step in integrating mobility and sustainability in the region.
