Introduction to the SICT’s Initiative
The Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) has finalized a document to encourage private investment in the construction or expansion of highway rest stops near the right-of-way. This initiative aims to establish areas that offer comprehensive services, helping prevent accidents and providing rest for users of federal highways, especially long-haul drivers and the federal trucking sector.
Prioritized Road Sections
In the initial phase, 17 federal road segments with high traffic incident rates or lack of such infrastructure are prioritized. These include:
- Mexico-Querétaro
- Puebla-Cordoba
- Matehuala-Saltillo
- Magdalena de Kino-Nogales
- Amozoc-Perote
- Santa Ana-Altar
- La Tinaja-Acayucan
- Coatzacoalcos-Villahermosa
- Guaymas-Hermosillo
Background and Interest from Investors
Last month, the Director General of Federal Transportation (DGAF), Luis Ruiz, hinted at the development of this document without specifying the investment amount. Interested parties must submit a letter outlining their project, which SICT will evaluate for prefeasibility. Several investors, including members of the Coordinating Business Council (CCE) and transportation companies, have already expressed interest.
Publication and Website Launch
The notice has been submitted to the National Commission for Regulatory Improvement, and soon will be published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) under SICT head Jesús Esteva’s signature. A dedicated website will host the established guidelines for interested parties.
Guidelines and Objectives
The document specifies that rest stops must be designed according to each road’s and region’s unique needs and characteristics, aiming to reduce accident rates and comply with the Mexican Norm Official NOM-087-SCT-2-2017. This norm establishes driving and rest times for federal transportation service drivers.
Road Safety
Additional objectives include:
- Contributing to the development and modernization of Mexico’s road infrastructure
- Providing services to drivers, such as dining areas, restrooms, overnight areas, first aid stations, and vehicle services including fuel replenishment, light vehicle parking, bus parking, and heavy-duty truck parking
Regulatory Compliance and Support
Individuals with a valid permit or those who have initiated the process for constructing access points or establishing new rest stops must adhere to applicable regulations. SICT will assist with the necessary paperwork.
Response to Industry Demands
The demand for more highway rest stops has been a long-standing request from cargo and passenger transportation organizations to support their strategies and enhance road safety. The Federal Transportation Director has directly addressed this concern in multiple meetings, leading to the finalized document.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this initiative? The SICT aims to encourage private investment in building or expanding highway rest stops near federal roadways, offering comprehensive services to prevent accidents and support long-haul drivers.
- Which road segments are prioritized? Seventeen federal road sections with high traffic incident rates or lack of rest stops are prioritized, including Mexico-Querétaro, Puebla-Cordoba, and others.
- How can investors participate? Interested parties must submit a letter outlining their project, which SICT will evaluate for prefeasibility.
- What services will the rest stops provide? The rest stops will offer dining areas, restrooms, overnight areas, first aid stations, and vehicle services like fuel replenishment and parking for various types of vehicles.
- How will compliance with regulations be ensured? Individuals with valid permits or those initiating the construction process must adhere to applicable regulations, with SICT providing necessary support.
