Environmental activists have raised concerns over a cement spill that occurred during the construction of a bridge across the Nichupté lagoon. They have reported a number of irregularities, including the cement spill, hydrocarbon leaks, and unauthorized mangrove logging.

The cement spill took place in a mangrove area where the supporting structures for the bridge are being assembled. The Mayab Ecological Group (Gema) fears this could have a detrimental impact on the local sea grass and fauna.

The two-lane bridge, which is being built to connect the hotel zone with downtown Cancún, began construction in 2022 and is expected to be completed by April 2024. As of February, the project was reported to be 38% complete, according to the Secretary of Infrastructure, Communication, and Transportation (SICT).

The SICT has neither confirmed nor denied the cement spill, nor have they provided any explanation about the incident. In a four-page bulletin, the department outlined its "environmental compensation" program, promising to work with the Secretariat of the Environment on reforestation efforts and the construction of drains to aid in mangrove regeneration.

The bridge construction was initially estimated to cost 5 billion pesos, but the budget has already exceeded 7 billion. The Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF) noted in its 2022 public account analysis that the project lacked authorization for clearing and palm removal on access roads. It also found no evidence of approved changes in land use for forest and mangrove areas.

The ASF's analysis also identified improper payments of 7 million pesos due to a lack of evidence supporting the execution of a study. Additionally, it found no proof that connectors, welding, and a concrete plant were used in the steel reinforcement and pile construction works, despite these costs being charged to the SICT.

The ASF highlighted issues related to the quality and protection of the reinforcement bars, noting the presence of rust and corrosion, poor workmanship, and a lack of protection for the reinforcement rods.