In case this isn't written elsewhere, here's an update on how far the Ruta 40 tarmac project has got to, as of mid Feb 2013:

1. Rio Mayo to Perito Moreno
First 50km are on ripio alongside road construction. The ripio is of shocking quality - it seems they give up on maintenance when they are building a road alongside. Either that or it was my first ripio, but in any case I could not manage more than 25 km/h max on it.

The remainder of the road is paved (about 75km). My map did not indicate this as paved, so it must be recent.

2. Perito Moreno to Bajo Caracoles.
All paved but the last 20km or so. However, these went alongside a tarmac road - just you were not allowed on it. I suspect by mid 2013 this will all be paved.

3. Baja Caracoles to Tres Lagos
Paved up to the Gobernador Gregores turn-off (again, map did not indicate as paved). The fuel chap at Baja Caracoles told me it was paved all the way to Gobernador Gregores, but can't confirm.

Gobernador Gregores turn-off to Tres Lagos - about 160km of ripio. Some construction work alongside, but still very early stage. The last 10-15km of this section were paved, but not allowed to go on them. Ripio quality variable, some sections I got up to 40mph on them, mostly 25-30mph.

Also for what it's worth, Baja Caracoles to fuel at Tres Lagos is exactly 217 miles (without going through Gobernador Gregores). With very little wind (lucky me!) it took me about 6 hours. But it's my first time on ripio with a heavily laden small strom - so your mileage may vary.

My 2c (and I know it's a religious matter!), good ridance ripio!!!!!

Seeing all that tarmac being laid down remains the saddest memory of my 2010 trip

Good info though

Tres Lago to Rio Turbio.

Paved

Rio Turbio to Rio Gallegos

Gravel and the last 100km, paved

Rio Gallegos to Cabo Virgenes ( the beggining)

Gravel