In 2009 the Government of Mendoza Province signed an agreement to build a
tram line between the cities of
Mendoza and
Maipú, at an estimated cost of
AR$ 62,449,732. Works were carried out by
private companies Construcciones Electromecánicas del Oeste S.A. (CEOSA) and SOGESIC S.A. Project included a total refurbishment of
Mendoza station, which had operated between 1885 and 1993 when it was closed by the
national government. The administrative building was reopened as a
cultural centre named "Estación Cultural", An inauguration ceremony was held in February 2012, but service did not begin at that time, as much of the construction work remained to be completed. Starting on 29 April 2012 passengers were permitted to ride on occasional demonstration/trial services on a portion of the line. The system finally opened for regular service on 8 October 2012. The rails used for this extension was manufactured in Spain, while the concrete sleepers were built in Argentina. This extension included the construction of new
level crossings, as well as the refurbishment of old railway stations. The Metrotranvía now ends at
Avellaneda station, located on Avellaneda Street in Panquehua, a neighborhood in
Las Heras. == Future plans ==