Return operation: drones and controls at border crossings due to the closure of Tourism Week

By Terrance Silva

He operational return of Tourism Week 2026 takes place this Sunday with a massive deployment of technology and personnel on the main routes in Uruguay. After a week of intense internal and external mobility, the authorities have launched a contingency plan to channel the flow of thousands of Uruguayans returning to their homes. The Highway Police reported that the peak of traffic was reached this afternoon, with averages that challenge the capacity of the main roads, especially in the eastern part of the country.

Belso Rodríguez, spokesperson for the organization, reported that the movement remains constant and under strict surveillance. According to official data, an average of 2,800 vehicles per hour are recorded traveling through the Interspa Route, one of the most demanded arteries during this close of the season. This figure reflects a massive return that began in stages on Saturday, but found its point of greatest concentration during the Sunday day.

Use of drones to optimize return operations

The main novelty this year has been the integration of aerial technology for traffic management. Surveillance drones have become the fundamental tool for the Highway Police can visualize congestion points in real time. Luis Calzada, director of the organization, explained that these devices allow a much faster reaction to accidents or slowdowns. By having a panoramic view, officers can divert traffic or adjust traffic signal timings in critical areas more efficiently.

In addition to technological support, the reinforcement of 100 new agents who joined the patrol and control tasks has been arranged. This human deployment seeks not only to speed up the passage of vehicles, but also to ensure that the rules of road coexistence are respected in a context of high traffic density. The authorities emphasize that the police presence acts as a deterrent against risky behavior on the road.

Saturation at border crossings and main routes

The panorama in the bordering areas has been exceptionally burdensome. Rodríguez highlighted that the borders with Brazil, particularly at the points of Río Branco and Chuy, have experienced a significant overload. These are not only light vehicles, but a considerable volume of international passenger transport and excursions returning simultaneously. Route 1, which connects with Colonia and the international bridges with Argentina, also showed a noticeable increase in traffic during the last hours of Sunday.

This situation at border crossings has generated longer delays than usual, which requires extra patience on the part of travelers. Coordination between Customs, Immigration and the Police has been key to avoiding the total collapse of the entry terminals, although the flow is so high that waiting times have inevitably been extended.

Safety recommendations for drivers

Given the density of traffic, the authorities have reiterated a series of fundamental guidelines to avoid accidents. Drivers are urged to maintain regulatory speeds and carry out preventive checks before heading back. Elements such as tires, the lighting system and the vehicle's fluids must be in optimal condition to face trips that, due to congestion, can last longer than expected.

Finally, it is recalled that the operational return It will extend until Monday, April 6, contemplating those who decided to extend their stay one more day. The mandatory use of seat belts, the correct anchoring of child restraint systems and the absolute prohibition of alcohol and drug consumption while driving are the central axes of the prevention campaign. Road safety depends on individual responsibility in a highly complex environment like the one this weekend presents.

For more information on the state of the roads in real time, it is recommended to consult the official portal of the Home Office or follow the updates of the Highway Police.