Nichupté Bridge 81% Done Despite Hidden Caverns & Delays

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Nichupté Vehicular Bridge project has advanced to 81.44% completion, though technical and logistical setbacks have forced adjustments to the delivery timeline, pushing the final completion date to December 20 of this year.

Geological Obstacles Reshape Construction Approach

One of the most significant challenges has been the region’s unique geology. The presence of caverns and hollows in the lagoon area, a result of the karstic soil characteristic of the Yucatán Peninsula, has required engineers to reassess construction methods. A notable example occurred in March 2024, when a 103-meter Arch Bridge had to be erected to bypass a large underground cavern detected beneath the site.

Guido Mendiburu, delegate of Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), explained that these subterranean formations are identified using Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) technology and specialized cameras. These tools analyze ground stability before concrete pouring begins. For less complex cases, metal structures have been installed to reinforce the bridge pilings, ensuring waterproofing and structural integrity.

Progress by the Numbers

The Arch Bridge segment is currently 88.1% complete, while the section built using the innovative "top-down" construction technique has reached 95.4% completion. Equipment used in this final phase is expected to be dismantled shortly.

Weather Delays and Safety Measures

In addition to geological hurdles, weather conditions have also impacted the project. During Hurricane Beryl in 2024, work was suspended for approximately ten days as a precautionary measure. Though the storm did not directly hit the area, authorities prioritized worker safety and equipment protection.

With the revised deadline in sight, the construction team continues to address these challenges to deliver the vital infrastructure project, which aims to improve mobility in Cancún.