 Severe rush hour traffic congestion along the avenue was alleviated by the 1996 opening of the Arturo Illia Freeway, running parallel to the avenue and providing a (toll road) alternative to the busy junction at Libertador and Avenida 9 de Julio.Avenida Leandro Alem at its northern end becomes Libertador Avenue at the southeast corner of San Martín Plaza.Continuing northwards along the Retiro district, it passes by the important Retiro railway terminal and in parallel to the Mitre rail line.