Controversial Decision: Cancún Removes Tulum Avenue Bridge

Early yesterday, local authorities in the municipality of Benito Juárez dismantled a pedestrian bridge over Tulum Avenue near the ADO bus station. The process began the previous day with workers using large cranes to take apart the metal structure that spanned the busy road. The work was primarily conducted at night to minimize disruption.

The bridge was methodically dismantled using blowtorches to separate its joints, allowing for the gradual removal of sections. This bridge provided a safe crossing for pedestrians over Tulum Avenue, one of the busiest roads in Cancún. By the following morning, the bridge was completely gone.

This bridge, installed in 2015, was intended to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians. However, it was met with complaints as it required pedestrians to walk a longer distance, posing difficulties for older adults and people with disabilities, despite the inclusion of a ramp.

Municipal authorities have arranged a pedestrian crossing at the former location of the bridge. The Secretariat of Public Works and Services of the municipality of Benito Juárez also added tactile lines and both horizontal and vertical signage to aid pedestrians. These changes are part of the Annual Investment Project (PIA), aimed at improving pedestrian transit in this high-traffic area.

In addition to the ADO bus station, the area is frequented by state-concessioned vans transporting thousands of Cancún residents to Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. The municipal Transportation and Traffic Directorate has confirmed that public transport traffic will not be affected, and most transport units will continue to use the high-speed lane of Tulum Avenue.