July 11 Bogotá–Villavicencio Closure and Intermittent Passage Amid Colombian Rice Producers’ Strike Against Gustavo Petro Government

On July 11, 2025, the Bogotá–Villavicencio highway, also known as the Vía al Llano, was closed due to landslides and rockfalls caused by heavy rains. The closure affected both directions, leaving drivers stranded and disrupting travel plans. Authorities including the police and the concessionaire Vial Andina reported multiple preventive closures throughout the day. By late evening, intermittent passage was allowed in some sectors such as Quetame and El Uval to alleviate congestion, but certain sections like Buenavista remained closed. On July 14, 2025, rice producers in Colombia initiated a national strike, citing unfulfilled agreements by the government of Gustavo Petro and unprofitable production conditions. The strike led to blockades on several key roads, including the Lorica-Montería route and the Llano Lindo sector near Villavicencio. The protests have impacted mobility in regions such as Bogotá, Villavicencio, Tolima, and Huila.