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Aerial view of the avenue – By Pavel Å pindler –

Top 9 Facts about Avenida 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires

The Avenida 9 de Julio, known as 9 de Julio Avenue is a street in downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, it’s not your average street in a random city, it is the widest street in the world.

Most major cities all over the world have one or two famous main avenues. Where Paris and New York have Champs Elysées and 5th Avenue respectively, Buenos Aires has the Avenida 9 de Julio.

The street has a whooping 14 traffic lanes and stretches for 3 kilometers. The road is not the only fascinating thing about the avenue.

Along its length, there are several major attractions and some small curiosities. This massive avenue was completed in 1980 and is named after Argentina’s Independence Day (9th July 1816).

Below are some fascinating and fun facts about the world’s widest street!

1. Construction Started In 1935

The avenue and obelisk on their 1937 inaugural – By Municipalidad de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires –

The Avenue was first planned in 1888. However, the idea was proposed to the public during Mayor Francisco Seeber’s tenure (1889 – 1890). The idea was for the avenue to serve as an artery connecting the north and south of the city.

In 1912, it was passed under National law and the municipality was authorized to carry it out. The project faced resistance from the many residents, landlords, and business owners who would be affected.

This, therefore, delayed the project which officially began in 1935. On October 12th, 1937, the initial phase of the project was inaugurated.

2. Construction Was Completed In 1980

In the 1960s, the main stretch of the avenue was completed. The southern connections were completed in 1980 which signified the completion of the entire project.

This was marked by the completion of the tollway system in downtown Buenos Aires. Completion of the street also established it as the Widest Street in the world. A record held to date and might not be broken any time soon if at all.

3. Avenida 9 de Julio Is the Widest Street in The World

View of 9 de Julio Avenue, in the City of Buenos Aires – By user:Sking –

The 9 de Julio Avenue runs for around 1.9 miles (3 km). It starts from the Retiro district in the north to Constitución station in the south.

The avenue has a width of 140 meters, with 14 lanes. There are 7 lanes in each direction which are flanked by parallel streets of two lanes each. The avenue’s unusual width is because it spans an entire city block.

4. It Is Difficult to Cross the Avenue at A Go

Since there are traffic lights at every intersection, it frequently takes a few minutes to cross the avenue at street level. It typically takes pedestrians two to three green lights to cross it at regular walking speed.

Only those with long legs and are pacey will have a chance of crossing before the intersection’s traffic lights change. Normally, it takes a few extra minutes and two to three traffic signal cycles for a pedestrian to cross.

Some urban designers have proposed moving the middle portion of the route underground. This is to bridge the perceived canyon/ separation between the two sides of the avenue.

5. The Metrobus Line Runs Along the Avenue

Metrobus Station Infront of Teatro Colon – By Nicolasrnphoto –

Along Avenida 9 de Julio is the city’s Metrobus line which runs through the center of the avenue. The line spans 3 km, the length of the avenue.

The Metrobus Line was inaugurated in July 2013. It serves 11 bus lines and reduces bus travel time in the city by over 50%. The Metrobus Line joins the city’s two busiest railway stations (Retiro and Constitución) and serves over 250,000 passengers per day.

6. Thousands Were Displaced to Construct the Avenue

When laying the foundations of the avenue, dignitaries praised it as the monument to progress the city. It was sold as the patriotic thoroughfare that would symbolize the vibrant modernity of Buenos Aires.

However, its construction was marred and slowed down by resistance from many who feared it would cost them. And boy were they right to be afraid and resist although their efforts failed.

To construct the Avenida 9 de Julio, brutal demolishing of both private and public property was carried out in the city center. Over 60,000 sq meters of city real estate was demolished and thousands of residents were displaced in the process.

7. Traffic Along the Avenida Is Chaotic

Protestors by Patrick Behn from

The Avenida 9 de Julio is ever vibrant. As the traffic lights turn red, you will often see crowds of people crossing while some get into the roads to perform. There are jugglers, fire eaters, and other street performers looking to make a quick buck.

Sometimes this slows down traffic generating unnecessary congestion. Motorists are not much to brag about either. Cars veer wildly between lanes while drivers gesticulate and rage, probably due to frustrations from the performers on the road.

Sometimes, groups of people will close traffic as thousands march and wave flags and banners in the name of justice. However, there is tranquility in the avenue in the form of small tree-lined plazas and gardens.

8. The Avenue Is Home to Several Landmarks and Monuments

Embassy of France in Buenos Aires – By penaloza_sm –

Running alongside this large and monumental avenue is several major recognizable landmarks and attractions. One is the Teatro Colón, the main opera House in Buenos Aires and one of the greatest in all of South America.

Another major landmark is the French Embassy, an architectural masterpiece. It is one of the reasons Buenos Aires is called the “‘‘The Paris of South America’’.

Another Landmark is the Obelisco, a 70m high needle-like structure at the center of the avenue. Other landmarks include Avenida de Mayo and the Don Quixote de la Mancha Statue.

9. Buildings and Monuments Around the Avenue Are Reminiscent of Paris

Those pushing for the construction of the avenue claimed it would cement Buenos Aires’ reputation as the Paris of South America. By looking at the architectural designs around the avenue, it is easy to see their point.

The Constitución train station is a masterpiece of Beaux-arts at the southern end. The French Embassy, which is elaborately decorated with latticed balconies, is located at the northern end.

The Teatro Colón opera theatre, where Callas and Nureyev wowed audiences, is fronted by a stunning Neo-classical exterior, and it is located in the very heart of Avenida.