Background and Relevance
The Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) in Mexico is currently addressing a landslide issue on the Toluca-Taxco highway, specifically in the Tenango-Tenancingo section of the Estado de México. This highway is a crucial transportation route connecting Toluca, the state capital, with Taxco, a historic silver mining town.
Analysis and Planning
The Directorate General of Road Conservation and the Directorate General of Technical Services within SICT conducted a thorough analysis of the affected area. They performed soil mechanics studies and terrain stabilization assessments to devise a repair plan for the landslide.
- The landslide spans 54 meters in length and 12 meters in width, with settlements reaching up to 1.50 meters deep.
- The repair project began on June 16, involving multiple actions to stabilize and reinforce the road.
Repair Actions
The repair actions include:
- Installation of 81 inclusions: These will be placed at various depths (40 cm diameter) in two stages using mortar to strengthen the terraphen’s base.
- Construction of a reinforced concrete retaining wall: Comprising 61 pilas (80 cm diameter, with 20 cm spacing), connected by a closure beam to ensure structural rigidity.
- Installation of two drainage structures: Each with a 1.50-meter diameter, positioned upstream and downstream of the affected area to improve water management.
- Structural filling and pavement section construction: To restore the road’s original structure.
- Placement of horizontal and vertical signage, along with traffic control devices: To ensure driver safety.
Current Progress and Timeline
As of now, the project is in the “Stabilization and Reinforcement” phase. This involves filling in steps with terraphen material and perforating/casting inclusions.
The anticipated completion date for these works is November 2025, following the established program.
Preparatory Measures
On February 5, 2025, a provisional pavement was laid using hot-laid asphalt (average thickness of 5 cm). Additionally, plastic barriers were installed, horizontal and vertical signage was painted, vialettes were added, and luminous signage was implemented to bolster safety measures.
Throughout this period, SICT’s Directorates of Road Conservation and Technical Services conducted various soil mechanics studies, leading to a definitive solution design.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue being addressed by SICT? SICT is addressing a landslide on the Toluca-Taxco highway in the Tenango-Tenancingo section of the Estado de México.
- When did the repair project begin? The repair project began on June 16, 2024.
- What are the key actions in the repair plan? The key actions include installing inclusions, constructing a retaining wall, adding drainage structures, structural filling, and placing signage.
- When is the project expected to be completed? The project is expected to be completed by November 2025.
- What preparatory measures were taken before the main repair work? Before the primary repair work, a provisional pavement was laid, safety measures were enhanced with barriers and signage, and soil mechanics studies were conducted to design a definitive solution.
