The Mexican government has announced the construction of a new bridge to connect Cancun’s hotel zone with the city center.
The mega-bridge is expected to relieve traffic congestion and improve connectivity to Cancun’s major regions, which the Nichupte Lagoon separates.
The new bridge will stretch over 8 kilometers and connect Cancun’s Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard with the popular Zona Hotelera, where most of the region’s resorts are located.
Although pedestrians and bicycles will have designated lanes, the bridge is primarily for vehicular traffic.
According to the General Directorate of Highways, the projected expenditure for the massive project is over 5.5 billion pesos ($273 million US dollars ), making it one of the largest public investments in the state.
Although the initial proposal called for a fee for vehicles, it was eventually decided that the bridge would be toll-free for the thousands of people who will use it every day.
Officials said construction will begin as soon as feasible, perhaps in the first days of July, with an estimated completion date of August 2023, but that is subject to change.
When completed, the new bridge will cross one of the most significant natural barriers in the region, the Nichupte Lagoon.
The lagoon, which covers an area of about 3,000 hectares, is home to a variety of natural features, including mangroves. The construction plans for the bridge were thoroughly reviewed by environmental authorities and relevant agencies in order to protect nature in the area.
The new bridge, along with the Tren Maya, is part of a larger infrastructure project in the region that includes new roads, highways, and trains.
The bridge is especially important for emergencies, as residents and visitors to the Zona Hotelera may need to be evacuated in the event of natural disasters.