"Arrastra" bonanza para Mazatlán cierre de autopista a Durango

Belizario Reyes

noroeste.com

04-02-2015

En la zona de playa el turismo observaba la bahía. Fotografía: Noroeste / Andrés García.

 

MAZATLÁN._ La nevada en la sierra no sólo dejó varados a miles de ciudadanos por el cierre de la Autopista Mazatlán-Durango, también trajo al puerto una derrama económica extra porque algunas familias duranguenses debieron quedarse un día más.

"No (afectó), al contrario, benefició el cierre de la carretera del día de ayer (lunes), tuvimos el reporte por el comandante de la Policía Federal de Proximidad Social, Roberto Gutiérrez, el cual nos informó desde las nueve de la mañana el cierre de la carretera a la altura de Mesillas, Concordia", expresó el presidente de la Federación de Cámaras Nacionales de Comercio en Sinaloa, Guillermo Romero Rodríguez.

"Y la idea era hacerlo extensivo a los medios de comunicación y a todas las redes sociales para que los turistas tomaran sus precauciones y se tuvieron que quedar un día más en Mazatlán, ya teníamos el fin de semana estuvimos en promedio el 90 por ciento (de ocupación), ya teníamos desde el 30 de enero con salida el 2 de febrero, y la mayoría de las personas que viene precisamente de Durango, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Zacatecas, alguna parte también nos estuvieron visitando de Chihuahua, pues tuvieron que quedarse un día más".

Romero Rodríguez reiteró que por este cierre no se registraron afectaciones en el comercio, en los servicios y en el turismo.

"En la gastronomía se vio mucho repunte ayer (lunes) en los restaurantes, los hoteles también tuvieron buen repunte y en el comercio salió el turismo también, a pesar de que tuvimos un día lluvioso, con mal clima para Mazatlán, pero esto obviamente sí benefició al comercio", subrayó.

El presidente de la Cámara Nacional de Comercio, Servicios y Turismo de Mazatlán, Óscar Tirado, expresó que el cierre de la nueva carretera por la nevada no afectó sustancialmente a los comerciantes de Mazatlán, sino a los turistas que no pudieron regresar a tiempo a sus lugares de origen.

"No afectó, por el contrario, el que pernoctaran una noche más los turistas y que pudieran transitar por acá por Mazatlán ayudó más a la derrama, porque las carreteras al estar cerradas muchos por seguridad prefirieron quedarse, otros tomaron rutas alternas", añadió.

Temporary Vehicle Import Permit for Mexico

mexpro.com

If you plan to drive a vehicle beyond the Mexico "Free Zone" you will need to purchase a Mexico Vehicle Import Permit. The Mexico Free Zone, also known as the the Liberated Zone, or Perimeter Zone or Free Trade Zone is a customs designation only for that area located along the Mexican international land borders and which run inward up to the point at which the Mexican Customs authorities have their first "interior" check point (this is usually about 20 to 26 kilometers in from the border towns - exceptions are on the peninsula of Baja California and places like Puerto Peñasco where it runs to the ocean front along the main highways.)

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED A VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT FOR DRIVING IN ANY PART OF THE BAJA PENNINSULA OR THE SONORA FREE ZONE (In Sonora, you are only required to obtain a permit if driving further than kilometer 98 of Mexican Federal Highway No. 15.)

NOTE: YOU CAN OBTAIN A "SONORA ONLY" VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT IF YOU ONLY PLAN TO TRAVEL IN THE MEXICAN STATE OF SONORA.

The temporary vehicle import permit can be obtained from Banjercito, the official Mexican issuing agency. It is valid for any type of vehicle, weighing less than three tons, for up to six months (180 days). The permit may be purchased online at the Banjercito website, at the border or at a Mexican consulate. One can purchase the permit up to six months prior to travel into Mexico.

Despite any advice, official or unofficial, to the contrary, vehicle permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico.

Important Documents Needed to Apply for a Mexico Vehicle Import Permit

It is recommended that one carry three copies of each of these documents.

1. Evidence of Citizenship, i.e. a Government Issued Passport
2. If you are not a Mexican citizen, a Mexican immigration permit-such as a tourist, business or immigrant permit.
3. The Vehicle Title and registration certificate. A bill of sale is not valid proof.
4. A Valid Driver's License with photo.
5. Certificate of canceled import permit for any prior temporary import permits.
6. If the vehicle is financed, is a rental car, is leased, and/or a company car, a notarized letter of permission for importation of the vehicle into Mexico is required from the lien holder or lending institution.
7. An International Credit Card (American Express, Mastercard, Visa) in the name fo the driver of the vehicle (importer).
8. If the title of the vehicle is in the name of a spouse, child, or parents - a birth certificate must be presented or a marriage license.

These documents are needed when you travel to Mexico whether or not you purchase your vehicle import permit online or not.

Tourist Permit

If you are traveling to Mexico as a tourist, you must obtain an FMT tourist permit. The FMT allows you to visit or make multiple trips to Mexico for a maximum period of six months (180 days). The Mexican Immigration official issuing the FMT has sole discretion in determining your length of stay and may ask you the expected duration of your trip. As a tourist, you are not authorized to conduct any type of business activity in Mexico.

Business Permit

An FMN business permit is required in order for you to conduct any business activity, including attending business conferences, conducting meetings, or visiting maquiladoras. The FMN allows you to remain in Mexico or to make multiple trips for a period of up to 30 days. The FMN is required within the border zone (within 18 miles of the border) as well as for business travel to the interior of Mexico.

Obtaining a Vehicle Import Permit Via the Internet

Apply online on the Banjercito Website. After submitting the required information to the website, you will receive a pass code. After 24 hours and within 15 days of obtaining the pass code, you can visit any Banjercito location to obtain your permit document.

Purchasing a Vehicle Import Permit Online: You have the option to purchase your Mexican vehicle import permit online.

• Mexico import permits may be purchased online for auto, RV and boat/watercraft.
• The permit will be mailed to you.
• The permit may be purchased up to 60 days before you depart to Mexico.
• You need a minimum of 10 days between when you apply online and pay for your permit via credit card and your departure to Mexico date.
• You must cancel your permit at a Banjercito location on the border upon your return to the US.

Applying for a Vehicle Import Permit Online: You have the option to apply for a Mexican vehicle import permit online.

• Mexico import permits may be applied for online for auto, RV and boat/watercraft.
• Speeds up the process of obtaining your permit at the Banjercito location at the border.
• The permit may be applied for up to one-day before you depart to Mexico.
• You will be issued a pre-registration code which you will need to take with you to the Bajercito location at the border.
• You must cancel your permit at a Banjercito location on the border upon your return to the US.

Temporary Import Fee

The fee for importation of a vehicle is $44.00 USD plus IVA; this fee is the same whether the permit is obtained at the border, consulates or online.https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/

Temporary Import Deposit

A guarantee deposit for the return of the vehicle to the US, regardless of the form of payment, we be applied to all vehicles. The amount of the guarantee will be determined by the year of the vehicle. The guarantee will be refunded upon cancellation of the permit at Banjercito offices, as long as it is prior to the expiration date of the permit. The refund will be made in the same form as the deposit was made.

• 2007 - Newer $400 USD
• 2001 - 2006 $300 USD
• 2000 - Older $200 USD

If the vehicle is not returned to the US prior to the expiration date on the permit, or the permit is not canceled upon exiting Mexico, the guarantee deposit will be forfeited.

Before Banjercito issues a permit, they will verify the VIN # to make sure the vehicle does not have any restrictions to be driven in the US or Canada, in which case the permit will not be allowed.

It is important that we remind our customers to cancel the permit at the border prior to returning to the US, to ensure that they receive their guarantee deposit back.

As long as the customers have enough time (between 7-10 days), it is recommended that they process the temporary importation permit online. This will improve their experience and avoid the time spent at the border crossing.

Accepted credit cards for securing the deposit are MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Your card will be imprinted by a Mexican official but the deposit amount will not be charged to your card unless the vehicle is not returned to Banjercito upon the completion of your trip for permit cancellation.

Mexican Auto Insurance

Temporary Mexican automobile insurance is required in order to obtain a temporary vehicle import permit. Buy Mexican Auto Insurance now from www.Mexpro.com.

Multiple Entries with your Vehicle Import Permit

Once you have a vehicle import permit you may drive your vehicle across the border multiple times during the valid length of your permit.

CANCELING THE PERMIT UPON EXITING MEXICO

You do not have to exit Mexico from the same port as you entered to cancel your permit. Your temporary vehicle import permit can be cancelled at any Banjercito location along the border. You MUST CANCEL YOUR VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT UPON YOUR FINAL RE-ENTRY INTO THE US. If you do not, you may not be allowed to drive into Mexico again without the permit.

Other persons driving your vehicle in Mexico

If the documentation shows the vehicle is registered in the name of a spouse, the importation can be done as long as the marriage certificate (and a copy) is presented.

A vehicle temporarily imported by the owner may be driven in Mexico by a spouse or adult children, as long as they have the same immigration status. Other persons may drive the vehicle as long as the owner is in the vehicle.

Warning

Travelers should avoid individuals outside vehicle permit offices offering to obtain the permits without waiting in line, even if they appear to be government officials. There have been reports of fraudulent or counterfeit permits being issued adjacent to the vehicle import permit office in Nuevo Laredo and other border areas. If the proper permit is not obtained before entering Mexico and cannot be obtained at the Banjercito branch at the port of entry, do not proceed to the interior. Travelers without the proper permit may be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at immigration/customs checkpoints.

Snow Forces Closure of Mazatlán-Durango Highway

by Maureen Dietrich

3 Feb 15 

mazmessenger.com|

As of this morning no time or date has been set to re-open the highway.

Snow generated by the fifth winter storm and reinforced by Cold Front 33 forced the federal roads department to close the Mazatlán-Durango autopista at 6am yesterday morning.

Media reported that as of this morning no time or date has been set to re-open the highway.

Approximately 50 centimeters of snow fell in the area. Drivers were advised of the road closure at kilometer 223 by highway police who suggested they return to a safe location.

Some travellers decided to return to Mazatlán, others to circle around to take the free highway to Durango, while some preferred to wait until the snow covered highway was reopened.

Approximately 50 centimeters of snow fell in the area.

The National Water Commission advised the winter storm is expected to continue today with a possibly of more snow for the Durango sierras.

This morning a long line of trucks had congregated on the side of the highway a kilometer before the first toll booth while drivers wait patiently for the autopista to re-open.

(from Noroeste)

Mexican President to Inaugurate Bypass Road

by Maureen Dietrich
22 Jan 15 
mazatlanmessenger.com
 

Sinaloa Governor Mario López Valdez announced yesterday that Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto will be in Mazatlán on Monday, January 26 between noon and 1pm to formally inaugurate the Libramiento Mazatlán bypass road.

The governor also advised that on Friday this week the calle Pacifico branch road will be opened to traffic to showcase the destination of the bypass road to “the prettiest zone, which is the Marina” the Governor commented.

(from Noroeste)

Driving in Mexico: Five Must-Know Survival Strategies

traveldeepandwide.com

The thought of driving in Mexico can be intimidating, unless you become familiar with these five strategies for safety.

1. The Glorieta: Going in Circles

Traffic circles are used everywhere in the world. Everywhere, it seems, EXCEPT in the United States which, for the most part, relies on traffic lights to manage busy intersections. In theory, traffic pours in from any direction but yields to the traffic currently in the circle.

In Mexico, this theme may have a number of variations, including…ta da…traffic lights to meter IN entering traffic. Also, some urban circles may have ramps over or under particularly nightmarish glorietas.

My strategy: In Mexico´s urban centers, urban planners have put signs that diagram the approaching circle and the destination of each of the exiting streets. Although some diagrams require a degree in organic chemistry, I try to mentally note which number exit I will take. As I drive around the circle, I keep track of where I am–out loud: “exit at fourth, passing exit two, passing three, take the next.” This causes my passengers to question my sanity, but hey, it works.

2. Lateral: a ride on the side

In an effort to separate local and express traffic, the lateral (lah-teh-RAHL) is a one or two-lanes separated from the central lanes with a concrete curb. This curb is at the perfect height to give the local llantera (tire man) business. Metal control surfaces mark spots through which you may enter or exit the lateral.

U turns (a retorno) or lefts begin in the lateral on the lane closest to center. Turns are usually controlled by a green arrow, which may appear over any one of the lanes. I had to learn this by observation.

My strategy: Even when you have the green arrow, prevent your own death by checking that no one is running the red. This I also learned by observation. When entering or exiting the lateral, it is best to check your mirrors, squint, and shout ándale! ándale! to ensure your success.

3. Cuota v. Libre: Do you get what you pay for?

The cuota (toll) roads of Mexico are some of the finest highways I have driven. The newest autopistas have SOS call boxes at regular intervals and highly reflected lines and median strips. Angeles verde (“Green Angels”) regularly (and slowly) ply the routes to assist with flats, jump starts or emergency refueling.

These roads also have state-of-the-art toll plazas to extract (in cash or electronically) a cuota approaching the cost of airfare (no exaggeration) to the same destination. For example, a 200 mile trip from Manzanillo to Guadalajara roundtrip set us back $100 US in tolls. To be fair, this cuota provides a point-to-point insurance for all users; it’s a consolation since you’re sharing the road with double trailers bearing 50,000 liters of gasoline

The libre routes are a (at times) delightful immersion into Mexican roadside culture. Local eateries, artisans, and snack vendors line the libre routes. Local street foods are not to be missed! Many local attractions, natural formations, and historical sites are only accessible from the libre.

From a crime awareness point of view, we have never felt unsafe on any of the libres. From a driving safety standpoint, some libres traverse through mountainous areas subject to flooding or landslides. Other libres are poorly lit, sporadically signed, and painfully dotted with topes (speed bumps) and vibradores (rumble strips) to further slow your progress.

How to choose: You will need five hot local tacos in one hand and your wallet in the other. If your wallet weighs more than the five tacos, take the cuota. Unfortunately, you can only buy the delicious hot tacos on the libre. To each his own. Have fun!

4. The Semaphoro and other lights

You may encounter some unfamiliar traffic control devices or patterns in your southward trek.

The blinking green is simply a sign that the light is about to turn yellow. Act on it as if it were an extension of the yellow light; it is actually very helpful. Yellow lights tend to be very brief, or worse, burned out. Let the driver beware.

The red-plus-yellow light means the light is about to turn green. Co-pilots for sleepy drivers, prepare your elbows.

The red-and-blue lights on top of a black and white vehicle mean absolutely nothing. Police and ambulances ride around with their lights on constantly. Now, take a deep breath and repeat after me, “It means absolutely nothing.” However, if accompanied by a squawking siren, a frantic wave to the side by the uniformed policia, or a command over the loudspeaker–get your license and registration ready.

Your left turn signal means “pass me on the left”. This is most often used by heavily loaded trucks climbing a steep grade. On a two/lane road, any slow moving vehicle will use the left turn signal and move as far as possible to the right to allow you to pass.  Unfortunately, most norteamericanos are used to using this to communicate an intention to change into the left lane. Unless you are at a standstill in an urban left turn lane or want to give permission to be passed, forget using your left turn signal.

 

 

 

A young boy washing windows while we stop at a light.

 

5. Don’t hurry, be happy!

Wherever you drive, there you are. That is, if you are a hotheaded, horn-blowing road rager up north, you will be the same over the border. Consider taking Mexico’s extensive bus system. In heavy, high speed traffic, anyone can find many reasons to be frustrated. Impatient speeding kills more people every year both north and south of the border.

The best insurance is a cool head and a willingness to learn.

Unfamiliar signage and traffic patterns can make any driver feel homesick. Look on the happy side of the trade-offs. Trade shaking at a wintry self-service pump for cordial, sunny full service. Trade boring urban stop lights for vendors, windshield washers, and fire-breathing jugglers. Trade the cold and familiar for the warm and adventurous.

Isn’t this why you’re in Mexico anyway?

Article by, Brent

- See more at: http://traveldeepandwide.com/driving-in-mexico/#sthash.fRD23pYF.dpuf

Bottlenecks at Mazatlán Bypass Road

by Maureen Dietrich

5 Jan 15 

mazmessenger.com

A backup of 30 cars and trailers yesterday resulted in drivers honking impatiently to speed up the process while pointing to their watches.

Drivers using the new Libramiento Mazatlán opened on December 19 and which connects the Concordia-Villa Unión highway at the conjunction of the Mazatlán-Durango autopista with the Culiacán toll and free highways, were forced to wait 20 minutes to pay at the initial toll booth.

The toll booths are operated by groupo IDEAL which owns the concession for the Libramiento Mazatlán.

A backup of 30 cars and trailers yesterday resulted in drivers honking impatiently to speed up the process while pointing to their watches. Personnel responded by setting up a table, cash box and box of toll receipts beside the road to form a second line where drivers could pay the cuota and continue on their journey.

Drivers complained that there are signs beginning in Tepic, Nayarit, announcing the new Mazatlán bypass road, but the concession company wasn´t ready at the toll booths. Others said entrance to the road was confusing because of lack of direction signs. Nor were there signs announcing nearby service stations.

The Mazatlán bypass road is expected to save drivers heading north 40 minutes in time. Transit officials predict approximately 4,000 vehicles will travel the road daily.

Construction of branch roads into central Mazatlán and the airport are planned for this year. However, ejiditarios from Chicuras and San Franciquito have obtained a temporary amparo to stop construction of the airport road connector.

(from Noroeste)

Stranded motorists: police to the rescue

Mexico's police: good apples and bad.

Mexico News Daily | Friday, January 2, 2015

Stories about Mexico’s police aren’t all bad.

A Canadian couple traveling through Mexico in their RV had a mechanical problem near Ciudad Obregón yesterday: a spring broke. But they weren’t stuck for long.

Murray Ruehlen of Campbell River, B.C., said the first help arrived in the form of a young man, who was followed a couple of minutes later by a police vehicle.

One officer got on his cell phone to call a mechanic. Ten minutes later and the mechanic arrives, but he’s not just any mechanic: he works for the police department.
 

Ruehlen had a spare spring, tools and a jack on hand so the mechanic and the young man had the broken spring replaced within an hour. Meanwhile, the police remained on the scene with emergency lights flashing for protection.

The Canadian travelers tipped the two men who did the work and gave the two police officers chocolates and candy for their children — they wouldn’t accept cash.

“Where else but in Mexico!” wrote Ruehlen in a post describing the experience on the page of the Facebook group, On the Road in Mexico.

Mexico News Daily

 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/stranded-motorists-police-rescue/#sthash.R8HJEo23.dpuf

Mazatlán Bypass Road Ready for Traffic

 by Maureen Dietrich

 6 Dec 14  

mazmessenger.com

The road will reduce the distance between the Autopista and Villa Unión by 30 minutes for drivers wishing to circumvent the city.

In the next few days the Libramiento Mazatlán will be open to traffic after three years of construction.

Delegate for the Secretary of Communications and Transport (SCT) in central Sinaloa, Héctor Raúl García Fox, confirmed yesterday that the 31 kilometer bypass highway is ready to be inaugurated.

The four lane highway begins at the junction with the Culiacán-Mazatlán autopista and ends at the junction with Caleritas de Villa Unión, reducing the distance between the points by 30 minutes for drivers wishing to circumvent the city.

Following a meeting with members of the national business chamber to discuss development projects in 2014 and plans for 2015, García Fox stated yet to be are two branch roads from the Libramiento, one to the Mazatlán international airport and a second to cross Av. Juan Pablo II, each 3.5 kilometers in length.

The SCT delegate told the members that included in the list of projects for 2015 in Mazatlán is the construction of a bridge over the Libramiento Colosio at the intersection with the international highway going south (locally known as the “Pepsi” intersection) at a cost of 150 million pesos. 

(from Noroeste)

Tips for Quicker Holiday Border Crossing Experience

CBP.gov

banderasnews.com
go to original
December 2, 2014

The US Border Patrol is advising international travelers of useful travel tips, and of the traffic management measures being implemented to facilitate their crossing the US/Mexico border this holiday season.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials are anticipating an increase in border traffic as the holiday season approaches. As a result, the agency is adjusting staffing during the weeks ahead to address the anticipated increase. CBP’s Office of Field Operations is offering a number of tips to travelers to expedite the border crossing experience and travel beyond the border zone.

CBP will place as many officers as possible in areas where they will be able to process traffic as quickly as possible and will closely monitor traffic and keep lanes open as the traffic dictates.

"With the holiday season upon us, we are reaching out to advise the community of useful travel tips, and of the traffic management measures we are implementing that can help facilitate their crossing the US/Mexico border" said Director, Field Operations David P. Higgerson, Laredo Field Office. "Obtaining 'radiofrequency-enabled travel documents' to utilize the 'Ready Lanes' is one of the simplest and most effective things a traveler can do that will yield true processing time savings at the international bridges."

The holiday travel season has historically been a period when people who are infrequent border crossers travel to and from the United States. US Border Patrol is urging international travelers to be prepared if they approach an interior inspection checkpoint as they travel away from the border zone.

CBP is also offering a series of tips to help border area travelers. The tips are useful because the holiday travel season is usually a time when people who are unfamiliar with CBP protocols cross the border and travel to the interior of the US. Regular border crossers also typically cross more frequently to shop, visit family and friends, and attend holiday related events. Adopting the strategies provided by CBP can help travelers cross the border quickly, safely, and without incident.

• Tip #1 – Travelers should prepare for the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Please have crossing documents available for the inspection including a "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" (WHTI) approved document for US citizens. (More information on WHTI available here.)

• Tip #2 – Travelers should declare all items acquired abroad. In addition, individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the inspection booth.

• Tip #3 – Travelers should build extra time into their trips in the event they cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic. This includes SENTRI/Dedicated Commuter Lane users. (SENTRI provides expedited CBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough biographical background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a CBP Officer.)

• Tip #4 – Travelers are encouraged to visit the "Know Before You Go" section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the importation of prohibited items. Know Before You Go brochures are available at border ports.

• Tip #5 – Consult the CBP website at this link to monitor border crossing times. Information is updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light use/short waits.

• Tip #6 – During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider alternative ports of entry.

• Tip #7 – Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the busiest holiday travel periods. This will allow travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the border zone or stay in the US for more than 30 days) to bypass those lines when they formally enter the US. They will still be subject to the inspection process.

• Tip #8 – Travelers approaching an interior Border Patrol checkpoint should have their documents ready to present to the US Border Patrol agent if asked. This will save time.

• Tip #9 – Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers. Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon monoxide.

• Tip #10 – Travelers should consider obtaining radio frequency identification technology-enabled (RFID) travel documents such as a US passport card or newer versions of the laser visa or resident alien card so that they will be able to use the Ready Lane at select border crossings. For more information on Ready Lane requirements and obtaining RFID-enabled documents visit this link.

The principal mission of US Customs and Border Protection is anti-terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry and CBP agents at Border Patrol checkpoints are committed to identifying and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers should continue to expect a thorough inspection process.

All international travelers are encouraged to visit the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Mexico to have 13 new highways

Friday, 28 November 2014 00:10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

thenews.com.mx

Mexico to have 13 new highways

By the end of 2014 there will be 13 new highways in Mexico, said Communications and Transportation Secretary Gerardo Ruiz Esparza on Wednesday in Quintana Roo.

The federal government set out to build 46 new highways at the beginning of Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration. There are 26 highways being built that will be completed before the president’s tenure ends.

These works are part of the implementation of the new telecommunications law, which has already proven to be advantageous to society.

Ruiz Esparza and Peña Nieto inaugurated on Wednesday the Nuevo Xcan-Playa del Carmen highway. By December this year, the Salamanca-Irapuato highway, with an investment of 1.2 billion pesos ($93.7 million), the Mazatlán bypass, with an investment of 1.8 billion pesos, the Guadalajara-Colima highway, with an investment of 500 million pesos, and Chihuahua western bypass will be completed, with a 6.4 billion peso investment.

Once those projects come to an end, they will add to the 700 kilometers of new highway infrastructure that has been built in the first two years of Peña Nieto’s administration with an investment of 55 billion pesos. By the end of his tenure, there will be more 3,000 kilometers of new highways.

On Friday, members of the federal government organized a round table for the Mexico Connected program. It is composed of representatives of civil society, scholars and infrastructure experts who will decide in which public spaces in Quintana Roo install broadband Internet.

The aim is to provide all public elementary, middle and high schools in Quintana Roo with Internet access. The program also includes Internet services in universities, clinics, hospitals, libraries and public parks. It is estimated that between March and December 2015, Quintana Roo will install broadband Internet in all the aforementioned spaces.