Travel Alert: As announced yesterday, roadblocks are beginning across Oruro. At this hour, regional news outlets have yet to report any roadblocks, but the road accessibility map from the ABC is showing two blockades north of Curahuara and near Parque Sajama in the Patacamaya – Tambo Quemado Highway.
Another roadblock was announced last night to start at the Caihuasi toll at 07:00, which would disrupt traffic from La Paz to the eastern and southern parts of Bolivia. It’s important to note that Caihuasi was used as an alternate route during the last round of roadblocks in Oruro to divert buses onto the Old Cochabamba Highway. With this option unavailable, it is likely that traffic could come to a standstill. The Kawaisi roadblock is expected to last for 48 hours.
Update – 10:11 – 5/23/2024
Minutes ago the Oruro bus station suspended all departures to Cochabamba due to the roadblock at Caihuasi. As of this update, the La Paz bus station has not provided any new information. However, the Road Accessibility Map from the ABC has confirmed the roadblock along Ruta Nacional 4.
Update – 10:30 – 5/23/2024
La Paz Bus Terminal Director warns of potential clashes with protesters as police attempt to clear the Caihuasi roadblock. Bus departures from the La Paz Bus Terminal haven’t been suspended as officials are actively searching for alternate routes.
Update – 17:45 – 5/23/2024
Canal 15 Teleor reports a pause in the Caihuasi roadblock, allowing departures from the Oruro Bus Terminal to Cochabamba.
Update – 09:37 – 5/24/2024
Minutes before 08:00 this Friday, a group protesters from Oruro set up roadblocks at the Caihuasi checkpoint on the highway that connects Oruro with Cochabamba.
This is the second day of protests by the sector in this region. On Thursday, they disrupted vehicle traffic from morning until afternoon. Unlike yesterday, authorities haven’t deployed police to the scene this time.
Buses and trucks have come to a standstill on both sides of the protest. Travel authorizations are being reviewed at the terminals in La Paz and Cochabamba while Oruro has suspended all departures to Cochabamba.
According to the Road Accessibility Map from the ABC, the roadblocks near Parque Sajama and on the Patacamaya-Tambo Quemado Highway have been lifted.
Update – 17:38 – 5/24/2024
The Bus Terminals in Oruro and La Paz are reporting that roadblocks at Caihuasi have been lifted.
