SEMARNAT Approves Cancun Bypass for Mayan Train Cargo

SEMARNAT authorized the Libramiento Vial Cancun Sur, a 15.4km corridor linking key highways, Cancun International Airport, and Mayan Train’s future freight terminal. The authorization is subject to environmental mitigation measures.

The  Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) has authorized the Libramiento Vial Cancun Sur, a 15.394km road project designed to connect Federal Highway 180, on the Cancun-Airport corridor, with Federal Highway 307 toward Playa del Carmen. The project also includes a branch road to the Mayan Train Multimodal Freight Terminal, strengthening road-rail connectivity near Cancun International Airport.

The authorization was issued through SEMARNAT’s Directorate General for Environmental Impact and Risk under resolution SRA/DGIRA/DG-04430-26, dated June 1. Tren Maya, S.A. de C.V. submitted the environmental impact assessment in December 2025, while authorities requested additional technical information during the evaluation process before issuing its resolution.  

The project will be developed in the municipality of Benito Juarez, Quintana Roo, and consists of two road sections: a 9.63km Huayacan axis and a 5.77km freight-road axis. SEMARNAT’s resolution establishes that the project will affect a total intervention area of 103.18ha, including 67.33ha of medium semi-evergreen forest requiring a change of use of forest land authorization.  

The MIA’s broader project footprint is listed at 115.02ha, which includes the right-of-way, junctions, ramps, and service areas. The environmental authorization, however, identifies 67.33ha of forest vegetation requiring removal, rather than the 685ha cited in some secondary reporting.  

Road Design Connects Airport, Highways, and Freight Terminal

According to the environmental impact assessment, the bypass will function as an extension of Avenida Huayacán. It is planned as a six-lane road, with three lanes in each direction, a 39m road crown and a 2m central divider. The project also includes drainage infrastructure, bridges, viaducts, vehicle crossings, and access works.

The MIA states that the road is intended to reduce congestion on urban routes, improve access to Cancun International Airport, and divert freight traffic toward the future multimodal rail terminal. The project is also positioned as a logistics corridor linking road and rail freight infrastructure in southeastern Mexico.

Construction is expected to take 18 months, while the project’s planned operating life is 50 years. Preparatory work includes land clearing, soil stripping, archaeological salvage, access-road preparation, and wildlife rescue and relocation.  

Environmental Conditions and Mitigation Measures

SEMARNAT’s approval is conditional on compliance with environmental prevention, mitigation, and compensation measures. The resolution establishes that Tren Maya must follow the terms and conditions set by the authority and submit evidence of compliance, including validation from the Quintana Roo office of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (PROFEPA) when required.  

The environmental assessment acknowledges that the project will generate cumulative impacts, particularly through vegetation loss, noise, artificial light, and increased vehicle movements that may affect wildlife. The MIA notes that these effects add to existing pressures from tourism developments, urban expansion and Mayan Train infrastructure in the broader Cancun-Puerto Morelos corridor.  

To address those effects, the project proposes wildlife deterrence, rescue, and relocation programs, native-species reforestation, environmental monitoring, and measures intended to preserve ecosystem connectivity. The MIA also refers to ecological corridors and lower-level wildlife crossings as part of its mitigation approach.  

The executive summary argues that the selected alignment was considered more technically and environmentally viable than other alternatives because it seeks to use previously disturbed areas and rights-of-way where possible, while reducing ecosystem fragmentation compared with other route options.