Sargassum Trucking Damages Roads in Playa del Carmen; City Plans Repairs

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — The constant movement of heavy trucks hauling tons of sargassum has begun to damage streets and avenues in Playa del Carmen, prompting the city to inspect roads and schedule repairs.

Doris Aké, the municipal secretary of public works, said officials are conducting a detailed analysis to identify the most deteriorated areas caused by frequent traffic from vehicles used to collect and transport the seaweed.

“The idea is to analyze and gather information on which streets and avenues are most affected by the passage of heavy vehicles related to sargassum removal, so that we can begin the necessary repair work no later than next month,” Aké said.

The inspections are part of a strategy promoted by Mayor Estefanía Mercado to improve the city’s urban image and ensure better mobility for residents and visitors, Aké added.

During an urban improvement meeting, the secretary explained that the municipal government is coordinating efforts to rehabilitate, maintain, and repave various areas of Playa del Carmen, with special attention to the tourist zone and downtown.

The secretary of land management presented progress on the so-called “fifth quadrant,” a scheme that divides the city center into sectors to systematically address infrastructure and public service needs.

Companies including Aguakan, Telmex, and other telecommunications firms are participating in the inspections and have responded to the city’s calls to repair manholes, service connections, and damage caused by interventions on roads and sidewalks.

Among the program’s priorities is improving the urban image of Fifth Avenue and its surroundings, considered one of the most important tourist and economic areas for the destination.

As the city continues its massive sargassum cleanup efforts on the coast, authorities are working to reduce the impact of those operations on urban infrastructure, aiming to maintain the functionality and good image of Playa del Carmen.