Sheinbaum to Open Cancún’s Nichupté Bridge in December

Cancún, Mexico — The construction of the Nichupté Vehicular Bridge is nearing completion, with President Claudia Sheinbaum scheduled to inaugurate the landmark infrastructure project in December. The bridge, set to become the second-longest in Latin America, aims to modernize connectivity in Cancún, one of the world’s most prominent tourist destinations.

Project Details

• Total Length: 11.2 kilometers (8.8 kilometers spanning the Nichupté Lagoon).
• Lanes: Three lanes (one per direction plus a reversible lane adaptable to traffic flow).
• Connections: Junctions with Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard (97.3% complete) and Kukulcán Boulevard (38.8% complete).
• Innovative Technology: First use of the “Top Down” construction system in Mexico—only the second in Latin America—which minimized environmental impact by building the structure aerially over the lagoon.
• Metal Arch: A 103-meter structure designed to cross a 70-meter-wide, 80-meter-deep underwater cavern (88.1% completed).

Economic and Social Impact

• Beneficiaries: Over 911,000 residents of the region.
• Job Creation: 10,300 direct and 41,200 indirect jobs generated.
• Travel Time Reduction: Up to 45 minutes saved for commuters traveling between Cancún and the Hotel Zone.

Background and Progress

Initiated under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration, the project is now over 75% complete under President Sheinbaum’s leadership. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) has overseen its development, emphasizing sustainable technologies to protect the Nichupté Lagoon’s ecosystems.

Tourism and Urban Significance

The bridge is expected to boost tourism by improving access to the Hotel Zone, a key economic hub. Authorities highlight its modern, eco-friendly design as reinforcing Cancún’s reputation as a world-class destination.

The Nichupté Bridge stands as a milestone in Mexican engineering, positioning the country at the forefront of Latin American infrastructure. Its inauguration will mark a historic moment for Quintana Roo, benefiting both locals and international visitors.