Tension mounts in protest against Coastal Highway in Vicente López

Protestors clashed with provincial police today in Vicente López as they were evacuated from the area of the Coastal Highway construction site were they were camped. They were blocking an area of over a kilometre and a half along the riverside, where the highway is being built.

Authorities went to evacuate the 'bosquecito' area, after being given orders by the local council, but in doing so, collided with protestors. At least four people were detained and a group was injured as barracades into the construction site were being flung between both parties. The struggle caused yet more tension within the group of demonstrators who blame the local authorities for ruining the public space.        

Since the announcement of the project in 2005, residents of the Vicente López area have been protesting against the Highway being built, for the way in which the public space will be used and its effect on the environment. Some of the protests have been specifically non-violent, while others ended with many protestors being injured.

The Highway route itself is to be four lanes wide, and also have a shopping complex, plus small businesses and restaurants built in the newly constructed area.