Drivers, motorcyclists and transporters were some of the first users who traveled this Sunday XochiCorridor of Flowers, during the first hours of operation of the new South Coast highway.
Although they came from different places and used different types of vehicles, they agreed that the new road represents an alternative to reduce travel times and avoid traffic congestion. CA-2 West.
The journey, which previously could take between three and five hours, now completes in approximately 30 minuteswhich they commented, represents a significant change in regional mobility.
Time saving
“For us as motorcyclists it is a great relief”commented Enrique Pérez, one of the first drivers on the route. “Many times we had to change schedules, find another way to get around to avoid heavy traffic and so on. On the normal road we spent an hour and a half running risks and stress, fearing incidents with pedestrians. Here we travel calmly and more freely.”
In that same sense, Retalhuleu resident, Walter López, who traveled the road with another group of motorcyclists, highlighted the design of the work. “We came on a motorcycle at about 70 or 80 kilometers per hour enjoying a beautiful landscape of the volcanoes. It is different, on CA-2 it has taken us up to 4 or 5 hours if there is an accident,” he stated.
Marlon Arenas, a motorist who was traveling through the sector, emphasized optimizing the trip to his final destination. “It benefits us a lot because we get to our destination faster,” he said.
Economic impact
For his part, Salomón Recinos, a member of the group of “mancuerneros” from Guatemala that transports vehicles from the Mexican border, highlighted the fluidity of the road. “In Mazatenango and Cuyotenango we spent up to two hours due to traffic jams. Although we are paying the value of 90 quetzales, the boys say it doesn’t feel expensive for the benefit“he stated.
“We used to spend up to three hours. Now it’s 30 minutes,” stated a merchant from the region, referring to the change in the dynamics of transportation.
For those who live in one apartment and work in another, the work changes their quality of life. José Arévalo, a resident of Retalhuleu, shared his experience: “I live in Reu, but I work in Mazatenango. I have had to experience that Cuyotenango traffic of sometimes up to two hours a day to go to work. “It’s incredible how much time and fuel costs you save with this.”
Project promotes development
The highway is part of a corridor of almost 31 kilometers that connects strategic points on the South Coast and seeks to improve the logistics and commercial competitiveness of the region.
The project contemplates a system of toll with electronic collection through TAG Xochi and payment in cash, with differentiated rates and an operation model in sections.