Tulum Bypass Project Revived with Route Changes

Tulum, QRoo — Christian Moguel, the Director General of Public Infrastructure, has clarified that the Tulum Bypass project has not been abandoned but is currently undergoing a reform of its Environmental Impact Assessment (MIA) due to adjustments in the layout of its northern and southern routes.

In recent days, the federal Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) officially withdrew the project from consideration by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat). The project, which contemplated a 26-kilometer roadway with three grade-separated interchanges in the municipality of Tulum, had been submitted for environmental evaluation on May 18, 2021.

However, the local official explained that following a recent meeting with the SICT, the need to redefine the project was determined, specifically the bypass branches, due to various geographical conditions, including the presence of cavernous soils, a common characteristic in the area.

“Yes, effectively there is a redefinition of the routes for the northern and southern branches, and that is the main reason (for the withdrawal). The project has not been abandoned; it is moving forward,” Moguel stated.

He detailed that, according to information presented by the federal government, the bypass's executive project is now 65% complete, while the topographical surveys and photogrammetric flights are 100% concluded. These studies will allow for the adjustment of the bypass's definitive route before the construction stage begins.

The official added that the project contemplates the construction of three bridges and an investment close to one billion pesos. He reaffirmed that the current changes only affect the definition of the branches, without modifying the intention or the objectives of the project.

With these clarifications, Christian Moguel reiterated that the Tulum Bypass remains underway and that the modifications respond to the need to guarantee the structural and environmental safety of a key project intended to improve mobility and reduce the vehicular load in the center of the tourist destination.