Government Announces Investment in AIFA’s Connectivity

The federal government continues to invest in transport infrastructure to improve the connectivity of the recently-inaugurated Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). An expansion of access routes seeks to facilitate and encourage its use.

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) announced that as part of the expansion of the Lechería-AIFA Suburban Train, it will build a second vehicular bridge. This work will have a budget of MX$49.7 million (US$2.43 million)

Through the General Directorate of Railway and Multimodal Development (DGDFM), SICT will build the Prado Sur vehicular bridge at a railroad crossing located near Tultitlan, State of Mexico.

This work adds to a similar construction announced earlier this month at the same location. On Aug. 2, 2022, DGDFM announced that the Canal de Castera Vehicular Bridge will be constructed at a railroad crossing in Tultepec. This first bridge will have an estimated budget of MX$42.28 million (US$2.1 million).

The works for the second bridge in Tultitlan will be carried out through a public electronic bidding process. The presentation and opening of private proposals are scheduled for Aug. 31, 2022. Works will begin on Sep. 13, 2022 and will be completed in 2023.

Moreover, the ministry announced another public tender for the supply and installation of the ventilation system in the tunnel area, as well as a buffer tunnel and platforms for the Lechería-AIFA Suburban Train Line 1 project.

One of the main critiques directed at AIFA has been its distant location, making it difficult to reach for many inhabitants of Mexico’s most densely-populated environment. In comparison with AICM, AIFA lacks sufficient connectivity to assure passengers of a smooth trip to the airport.

However, President López Obrador has insisted that AIFA is functional and is on its way to being the best airport in Mexico: “There is some resistance from airlines to move to AIFA. It is a functional airport and will be the best in Mexico, featuring many flights, but we are in a transition process."

So far, some of the companies interested in developing the project are Escodem, CICSA, Grupo Constructor Pirámide, Desarrollo de Infraestructura Integral, CGAL Proyectos y Construcciones and Obras and Construcciones Civiles.