SICT To Invest in Toll Roads to Improve Road Safety

Mexico’s Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) is planning to unveil a MX$1.4 billion (US$70 million) investment for the years 2021 to 2023 to improve federal toll roads and improve road safety conditions. 

SICT already announced progress in 153 conflict points, which are located on 52 toll highways and federal bridges. Concessionaires oversee 15 points and have the obligation to provide adequate operating conditions for user road safety. “Mitigation actions consist of improving signage, placement of protection barriers, speed control systems, interventions or development of speed change lanes and improvement of road surface conditions, as well as the construction or redesign of junctions, construction of ramps for emergency braking and rectification of the track layout,” reads SICT’s press release.

SICT estimates that initial investment to improve infrastructure will amount to MX$1.4 billion (US$70 million). In 2021, the total investment reached MX$308 million (US$15.36 million) and is expected to total MX$698 million (US$34.81 million) in 2022. However, investment is set to decline in 2023 to MX$394 million (US$19.65 million). To date, the estimated investment is calculated to approach MX$433 million (US$21.59 million). 

In a recent meeting, the Deputy Ministry of Infrastructure and CAPUFE agreed to pay specific attention to the Plaza de Cobro San Marcos of the Mexico-Puebla highway and the Puerto Mexico-La Carbonera highway, making a vital intervention at two complicated points that represent major risks to road safety. SICT and concessionaires of federal toll roads also showed their commitment to continue improving road safety conditions in Mexico’s highway infrastructure. 

In Nuevo Leon, Jorge Arganis, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, and Samuel García, Governor of Nuevo Leon, signed an agreement in August 2022 to modernize section 58 of the state’s federal highway. SICT indicated that works will be carried out for nearly two years, as the project is set to be developed with local resources. The project will improve kilometer 64+120 to kilometer 98+190 of the highway (Galeana-San Roberto section) and other corresponding junctions, as reported by MBN.