Baja California progressing with US$740mn road infra plan

Baja California state in northwestern Mexico is pushing forward with works on a two-year road infrastructure program involving six projects in seven municipalities in and around Tijuana and requiring total initial investments of 15bn pesos (US$740mn) in a first stage.

Originally presented in April, authorities have managed to kick off two of the six projects, while studies are underway to prepare to begin works on another. Updates on the remaining initiatives are yet to be announced. 

On January 23, the infrastructure, communications and transport ministry (SICT) will receive bids to conduct the socioeconomic feasibility and market studies for a project to widen Alberto Limón Padilla boulevard, which links to the US border via the Otay Mesa II port of entry, on which works are currently underway.

The tender that was launched on January 10 (under the ID code LO-009000999-E238-2022 in the Compranet public procurement system) does not specify the date when the contract will be awarded, which suggests it will be decided after the bids are presented. 

Given that the project is still in the planning stage, more details about the development are not yet available, but the state’s infrastructure, urban development and territorial reorganization department (Sidurt) published a video in July explaining that the works involve adding a third lane in each direction. 

One of the projects that has already begun is the 250mn-peso initiative to link Alamar and Terán Terán boulevards, also in Tijuana. 

Works began on October 25 after the contract was awarded to a local company, according to state authorities.

The development involves building a bridge with access to the two avenues and the works are expected to be completed within 12 months.  

Construction has also started on an 800m overpass on boulevard Casa Blanca, which connects Tijuana and Rosarito. Works began in September, according to local daily El Sol de Tijuana. 

Developments that have been announced but which have not yet progressed include the 8km link between Fundadores and Santa Fe boulevards, the widening of the Corredor 2000 highway and the expansion and rehabilitation of the Morelos access node, all in Tijuana.