The construction costs for the Nichupté Vehicular Bridge in Cancun's hotel zone have reportedly surged by 40% compared to the original budget, according to the first quarter 2024 Physical and Financial Progress Report for Investment Programs and Projects. The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed that despite only 42.9% of the construction being completed, the total cost has already reached 7,847 million pesos.

The initial contract for the project was awarded to the ICA firm in 2022 for 5,570 million pesos. The increase in costs is attributed to inflation and the ongoing karst and environmental mitigation studies in the Nichupté lagoon.

However, it's important to note that while the 7,847 million pesos are approved, it does not necessarily mean the entire amount will be spent. The team is reportedly focused on budget efficiency.

Interestingly, the cost of the project has been on a steady rise since its inception. In April 2023, Jorge Nuño, the head of the SICT, revealed that the cost had already escalated from 5,570 million to 7,056 million pesos. This represented a hike of 1,486 million pesos, even though only 14% of the physical work had been completed.

The project is expected to be finished before the end of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's term.