SICT Reports on Strategic Infrastructure Investments in Cancun

Jorge Nuño Lara, Head, Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) supervised a Federal Government initiative that aims to modernize numerous infrastructure projects in Cancun, Quintana Roo. The projects aim to build better mobility infrastructure for the state. 

Nuño supervised the Cancun Airport Distributor, the Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard and the Nichupte Vehicular Bridge, the government’s strategic infrastructure projects overseen by SICT in Cancun Roo. SICT explained that works will conclude at the end of 2023, while generating 10,000 direct jobs and more than 41,000 indirect jobs. The projects aim to address mobility problems in Cancun, improve quality of life and boost the local economy and tourism development in the area, explains SICT via a press release. 

SICT reported that the Airport Distributor, which aims to modernize the junction through a new structure, presents an advance of 33.9%. The access loops to the distributor are undergoing work and the asphalt base and carpet are being laid on the trunk road. SICT highlighted that the project seeks to improve accessibility to the Cancun International Airport from the Punta Nizuc tourist area and the hotel zone, while increasing safety by amplifying road capacity. 

Minister Nuño explained that the reconstruction of Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard stands at 41.31%. The project will rehabilitate 13.5km of road surface with hydraulic concrete. Currently, 10km have been paved and the project includes the rehabilitation of existing side lanes and the modernization of transport bays, two pedestrian bridges, public lighting and traffic lights.

The Nichupte Bridge, a vehicular bridge over the Nichupta lagoon system that measures 8.80km, presents an advance of 11.09%. The bridge will undergo studies for the construction of two junctions, public lighting, traffic lights and intelligent transport systems (ITS). SICT highlighted that to date, 220 piles, 19 footings, 89 columns and 42 beams have been built. 

Ana Patricia Peralta, Municipal President of Benito Juarez, Quintana Roo, explained that the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has poured about MX$7.2 billion (US$391 million) in four works managed by the Government of Mexico in Cancun. She also highlighted the importance of investing in the infrastructure of one of the “most important tourist poles in the country and Latin America,” reads a Quintana Roo government press release. 

Experts from the Quintana Roo Urbanists College have raised concerns on the recent projects, arguing that López Obrador and Quintana Roo’s authorities have implemented counterproductive actions that promote the use of cars instead of giving users sustainable mobility alternatives. 

“The most recent mobility policies propose the promotion and upgrading of public transportation or alternative means… it is a nationwide policy derived from the Comprehensive Law for Mobility and Road Safety. I think that this [Nichupte] bridge is contrary to the policy since [the government] is still developing car infrastructure,” says Adriana Martínez, Vice President, Quintana Roo’s Urbanists College, as reported by MBN.