On the morning of September 11, 2025, the bustling coastal region of Uruguay saw two of its most prominent leaders—Mario Bergara, intendent of Montevideo, and Francisco Legnani, intendent of Canelones—come together in a show of unity and forward-thinking. Their meeting, held over a working breakfast organized by the Cámara de Comercio de Ciudad de la Costa, was anything but a routine affair. Instead, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to tackle one of the region’s most persistent challenges: mobility.
For years, residents of Montevideo and Canelones have experienced firsthand the daily dance of traffic, bottlenecks, and the complex ballet of buses, cars, and pedestrians moving between two of Uruguay’s most populous departments. Now, with both intendents at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of urgency and collaboration aimed at finding lasting solutions.
According to statements made at the event, both Bergara and Legnani have been working “in a metropolitan key” to resolve mobility issues that transcend departmental boundaries. As Bergara put it, the Ciudad de la Costa—an area that straddles both Montevideo and Canelones—is “the living example of the daily interaction” between the two regions when it comes to mobility. This isn’t just a matter of local pride; it’s a logistical reality that affects tens of thousands of commuters each day.
“A metropolitan vision brings a clear advantage when it comes to solving this issue,” Bergara emphasized, according to reporting by adhocFOTOS. “There are major projects on the table, so it’s essential to advance a framework of coordination between the intendencies and the national government, because without their involvement it would not be feasible to carry them forward.”
This point—about the necessity of national government involvement—was echoed throughout the morning. While the details of the mobility projects remain under wraps, both intendents made it clear that the stakes are high. The proposed changes aren’t minor tweaks or quick fixes. Instead, they involve “ambitious projects,” as Bergara described them, that are expected to take three to four years from groundbreaking to completion.
“It’s a very big challenge,” Bergara admitted candidly. “And while we know it will improve people’s lives, we must also consider the solutions to be implemented for the traffic and mobility situations that the works themselves will generate, because we can’t lose sight of the fact that this is a process that will take three or four years.”
It’s a sentiment that many locals can relate to. Anyone who’s ever lived through a major infrastructure overhaul—whether it’s new highways, expanded public transit, or revamped intersections—knows that the road to improvement is often paved with temporary headaches. Detours, construction noise, and shifting traffic patterns become part of daily life. But for Bergara and Legnani, the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term inconveniences.
Of course, no major public works project happens in a vacuum. The need for coordination isn’t just a bureaucratic talking point; it’s a practical necessity. As Bergara explained, “We are very close to giving the project its final shape,” but the ultimate decision about which proposal to select—and how to implement it—will depend on input from all stakeholders, including the national government.
Legnani, for his part, has been equally vocal about the need for joint action. While he didn’t offer direct quotes at the breakfast, his presence alongside Bergara sent a clear message: the days of working in departmental silos are over. Instead, Montevideo and Canelones are approaching mobility “in a metropolitan key,” recognizing that what happens in one department inevitably affects the other.
So what’s actually on the table? While specifics remain closely guarded, it’s clear that the projects under consideration are designed to address some of the most pressing mobility challenges in the region. These could include new traffic management systems, improved public transportation links, and smarter traffic light coordination—measures that would help ease congestion and make daily commutes more bearable for everyone involved.
In fact, Bergara hinted that some concrete changes are already in the pipeline for Montevideo. “Soon, we will be taking specific measures in Montevideo related to traffic, traffic lights, and various specific issues to improve circulation in the department,” he announced, as reported by adhocFOTOS. These changes, while perhaps less dramatic than a brand-new highway or rail link, are nonetheless vital steps toward a more efficient and livable city.
But as with any major initiative, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The process of selecting the final project, securing funding, and coordinating between multiple levels of government is never straightforward. And then there’s the matter of public buy-in. After all, no one likes being stuck in traffic—or in construction detours—no matter how noble the end goal may be.
Still, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among both officials and many residents. The fact that Montevideo and Canelones are working together, rather than at cross-purposes, gives the effort a fighting chance. And with the national government poised to play a decisive role, there’s hope that the region’s mobility woes might finally be addressed in a comprehensive and lasting way.
For the business community, the stakes are especially high. The Cámara de Comercio de Ciudad de la Costa, which hosted the breakfast, has long advocated for improved mobility as a key driver of economic growth. Efficient transportation isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s a prerequisite for attracting investment, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that the region remains competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.
As the meeting wrapped up, the message was clear: change is coming, and it won’t happen overnight. But with sustained collaboration, transparent planning, and a willingness to tackle tough problems head-on, Montevideo and Canelones have a real shot at transforming how people—and goods—move through their shared metropolitan space.
With final decisions just around the corner and concrete measures already on the horizon, residents and commuters alike are watching closely. The next few years may be marked by construction and adjustment, but the promise of a more connected, efficient, and vibrant metropolitan region is one that few are willing to pass up.