Mexico City to Refurbish Insurgentes Roundabout

Mexico City’s government initiated a rehabilitation project for the Glorieta de Insurgentes (Insurgentes Roundabout), one of the city's most significant public spaces. The intervention will cover an area of 12,551m² and involve the participation of seven government agencies. 

The project has a budget of MX$12.2 million (US$653,859) and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2024. Refurbishment works include the replacement of streetlights with LED technology, painting, the improvement of green areas, and the leveling of Metro vents. The El Sereno monument will also undergo restoration, and graffiti will be removed from surrounding walls.

In addition to physical improvements, three new spaces will be created as part of the project. These include a Tourist Police station, which will host 120 officers, a bike parking facility with space for 99 bicycles, and a Human Rights Laboratory, which will be managed by the local Ministry of Welfare and Social Equality (SEBIEN).

According to Mexico City’s Mayor Martí Batres, the Insurgentes Roundabout is a key public space in a tourist, residential, and commercial area, with significant cultural activity. The location also serves as a major transportation hub, with connections to the Metrobús, Metro, and other public transit systems.

Tania Carro, Director General of Urban Services and Sustainability, Mexico City’s Ministry of Works and Services (SOBSE), noted that 24% of the work has been completed since the project began on July 26, 2024. She added that the rehabilitation is expected to generate 132 direct and indirect jobs.

Patricia Salazar, Deputy Director of Citizen Participation, reported that security efforts in the area have included 7,000 inspections, 14 detentions, and the arrest of 18 individuals for various offenses. The Tourist Police also conducted 144 patrols between April and Aug. 12, 2024, to assist and guide domestic and international visitors.

The Ministry of Citizen Security (SSC) has supported rehabilitation efforts by organizing 50 cultural presentations in the area, with 20 more planned through Sept. 21, 2024. Additionally, SSC's Reconnect With Peace program, in collaboration with SEBIEN and the local Ministry of Culture, has been involved in painting and refurbishing underpasses, exits, and tunnels in the Insurgentes Roundabout, with ongoing police presence and assistance.

The rehabilitation involves the participation of the local Ministry of Government (SECGOB); SSC; the Ministry of Works and Services (SOBSE); the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (SEDUVI); SEBIEN, through the Directorate of Sexual Diversity; the Ministry of Mobility (SEMOVI); as well as the Metro Collective Transport System (STC).