Tulum Bypass: The Solution to Traffic Woes

The government of Mara Lezama Espinosa is considering a proposal to construct a bypass in Tulum, Mexico. This project is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and is one of several strategic projects currently under review by the Strategic Projects Agency of Quintana Roo (Agepro). Other plans include another bypass in Playa del Carmen, a pedestrian zone on the Tulum coast, and an airfield in Puerto Aventuras.

The Tulum bypass project aims to alleviate heavy traffic on Highway 307, a major thoroughfare that runs through the center of this popular tourist destination. Investors have expressed interest in funding the construction of this new road. The bypass will not only ease traffic to Playa del Carmen and Cancún but also to Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Chetumal.

Highway 307 is the primary land communication route in Quintana Roo, with a majority of vehicles passing through it. During large events, crossing this stretch becomes almost impossible, or requires waiting several hours due to the high volume of vehicles. The highway also sees a constant flow of heavy vehicles, including tankers, passenger buses, and trailers, which disrupt urban mobility and pose a risk to pedestrians and other vehicles.

A similar situation exists in Playa del Carmen. Despite the existence of underpasses, the city's growth necessitates the construction of an alternate route to bypass traffic further north of the state, towards Puerto Morelos, Cancún, and Isla Mujeres.

In addition to the bypass, there are also plans to build a pedestrian area on the Tulum coast towards "Punta Piedra," a major hub of tourist activity. These projects are currently undergoing soil and environmental impact studies to determine the required investment and contributions from private entities and the state government. The executive projects are expected to be ready within the year, according to the director of Agepro.

In Puerto Aventuras, significant progress has been made on the airfield project. However, the state does not have financial participation in this project. Instead, it operates under a long-term "onerous administrative permission" scheme. Under this arrangement, investors construct the project in exchange for a royalty or consideration for the state once the communication hub begins operation.