In the communities of La Chapa and La Primavera in the municipality of El Peñol, Antioquia, the residents witnessed a transformation that impacted their lives. For decades, these rural areas struggled with poor roads, making it difficult to move and transport their products. However, an ambitious road improvement project using Ternium steel changed this reality.
The new "placa huella" (concrete slab roads) have made it easier for residents to travel and improved the quality of life for people in the region. The reinforcement of the corrugated steel bars has been crucial in this process, as it ensures a strong and durable structure capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions and the constant flow of vehicles.
A Path to Progress
The project has been especially significant for those who rely on agriculture. Previously, transporting products and accessing basic services was a difficult task. As Diana Patricia Guarín, a local resident, recalls, "We lived on rough roads as children, using mules to carry loads until we could reach the main road to get to El Peñol. Then the placa huella arrived. It was a blessing and a benefit for us."
The change brought by the construction of the new roads was immediate. The placa huella, which now cover much of the route, reduced travel times and improved access to local markets. This positively impacted the local economy and families’ livelihoods.
The Role of Steel
Ternium's involvement was essential in ensuring the quality of the work. The use of steel reinforcement bars allowed the roads to be functional and safe in the long term.
Rodrigo Hernández Alzate, manager of the Empresa de Vivienda Antioquia (VIVA), mentioned, "Ternium steel offers a major advantage for placa huella projects, in terms of the quality of the finish due to its strength and durability."
A Long-Awaited Change
For many residents, this has been a dream come true, as they had been waiting for improvements to the roads for years. Eliseo Salazar Gil, another local resident, added: "Now we can get our products out of the ground, especially the crops. We had been waiting for this for 13 years. With the steel's contribution, this process became much easier for us."
The wait was worth it. Now products reach the market faster and in better condition. Additionally, the new roads allow for the entry of visitors and improve mobility between villages and the municipality.
José Alexander Velásquez, Secretary of Public Works and Infrastructure, said: "Placa huella projects are perhaps the most significant and important because they dignify rural life," he noted.
These actions are transforming the region's infrastructure and changing the perception of those benefited. Now, they have quicker and safer access to health, education, and commerce.
A Promising Future
The success of this plan sets a precedent for other interventions in rural areas across the country. The reinforced placa huella with Ternium steel is an example of how collaboration between different sectors and communities can have a positive long-term impact.
As Diana Patricia Guarín concludes, "Now, it’s easier for people to visit because the road and access are very good." These types of projects represent an improvement in road infrastructure and are a true opportunity for the development and well-being of rural communities.