The Ministry of Communications announced this Friday, October 10, that the Brisas del Mocá bridge, located at kilometer 131.5 of the southwestern route, between the detour to Tiquisate, Escuintla, and that of Chicacao, Suchitepéquez, will be removed after its total collapse. As a provisional solution, a modular Bailey-type bridge will be placed to guarantee the continuity of traffic.
As explained by the Minister of Communications, Miguel Ángel Díaz, the bridge had already presented a “first collapse” on August 22. However, it was not until October 9 that the structure completely collapsed, due to the flooding of the river.
Díaz also recalled that on June 24 there was an impact on the bridge that weakened its bases. For this reason, he assured that it is necessary to remove the structure in the medium term and move forward as soon as possible with the installation of the new provisional step.
Meanwhile, an alternate bridge, a reversible lane and an additional passage were enabled so as not to stop the flow of traffic in the area. The authorities assured that the measure seeks to avoid further disruption to traffic.
This route is considered one of the most important in the country, since it connects with the border with Mexico.
Every day, thousands of vehicles, mainly cargo, circulate through that sector. The partial closure complicates the mobility of both cargo and passenger transport, as it is a key point in the southern logistics corridor.
Business chambers maintain that the disqualification affects the economy because it retains raw materials, merchandise and people in traffic jams.
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