Mexico’s National Road Infrastructure Program Boosts Employment and Infrastructure Improvements
The Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) announced that as of now, the National Road Infrastructure Program has generated approximately 52,762 direct and indirect jobs. This year’s program is allocated with an investment of 53,312 million pesos.
Emergency Actions Following Hurricane Erick
In addition to the job creation, various emergency actions have been taken to enhance infrastructure following Hurricane Erick. These include removing 173,000 cubic meters of debris, inspecting 10 bridges, and within 48 hours, the entire federal free-of-charge road network was cleared.
Detailed Overview of Ongoing Projects
During the morning press conference, Jesús Esteva, head of the department, provided a detailed account of ongoing projects. He highlighted progress, workforce, machinery, and investments.
Modernization of an Autopista Example
As an example, Esteva explained the modernization of a highway segment: the Uruapan-Nueva Italia project, set to be completed in August 2027. This includes four construction fronts, 1,500 workers, and 550 machines for building 10 bridges and six interchanges.
President’s Response
After hearing the official, President Claudia Sheinbaum commented: “Thank you, Jesús. As they see, there is a lot of work.”
Current Priorities in the Work Plan
According to SICT, current priorities include addressing a work plan involving 109 km of continuity projects, 2,220 km of priority axes, 16 km in 21 bridges and distributors, 904 km of Lázaro Cárdenas River Program, various Guerrero Road Development Program projects, 2,107 km of artisanal roads, nearly 48,653 km of routine maintenance, and almost 10,000 km of periodic maintenance.
Mixed Investment Projects
Esteva also mentioned mixed investment projects, such as the Tepic-Compostela highway, which is 92% complete and expected to finish in October 2025. The Córdoba-Orizaba project is in the final stages of studies to begin licitation, with a planned start towards the end of 2023 and completion in 2027.
Bachetón Program Investment
The Bachetón program is allocated 30,476 million pesos for 2025 and 219,698 million pesos throughout the six-year term.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the National Road Infrastructure Program? It’s a government initiative in Mexico, allocating 53,312 million pesos this year to develop and modernize road networks.
- How many jobs has the program created? The program has generated approximately 52,762 direct and indirect jobs.
- What emergency actions have been taken following Hurricane Erick? Actions include removing debris, inspecting bridges, and clearing the federal road network of charges.
- What are some examples of ongoing projects? The Uruapan-Nueva Italia highway modernization project, with four construction fronts, 1,500 workers, and 550 machines for building bridges and interchanges.
- What are the current priorities in the work plan? Priorities include continuity projects, priority axes, bridge and distributor projects, river programs, artisanal road projects, routine and periodic maintenance, and mixed investment projects like Tepic-Compostela and Córdoba-Orizaba highways.
- What is the Bachetón program? It’s a program allocated 30,476 million pesos for 2025 and 219,698 million pesos throughout the six-year term.
