### Baja California Plans 30-Year Concession for Highway Toll Project
The government of Baja California has announced plans to begin a bidding process for a significant highway project within the next few weeks. This project involves the rehabilitation of two free lanes and the construction of two toll road sections on the Corredor 2000 in Tijuana, which will connect to Playas de Rosarito and Ensenada. Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, the head of Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Territorial Reorganization, explained that the aim is to alleviate traffic congestion in the area, where approximately 100,000 vehicles, mostly heavy-duty trucks, currently travel daily.
Espinoza Jaramillo highlighted plans to use the reserved median for this initiative, paving the area with hydraulic concrete to create continuous lanes that stretch from the Tecate free road exit. The toll lanes, which will have a capacity of around 50,000 vehicles, will allow speeds between 60-80 km/h.
The toll implementation is expected to incentivize freight trucks—accounting for 30% of traffic—to use this new route, reducing travel times by up to 75%. Espinoza Jaramillo indicated that the government aims to make toll usage mandatory for these vehicles, though specifics on implementation are still unconfirmed.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda has emphasized that the existing free lanes will remain toll-free and undergo maintenance during the construction of the toll sections.
The project, part of the “Respira” program, will be financed entirely by private companies, with the government not contributing funds directly. The bidding process commences on February 21, with three companies shortlisted to submit proposals. The successful bidder will be responsible for investing approximately 1.2 billion pesos for the 12-kilometer road project and will receive a 30-year concession to operate the toll roads.
Espinoza Jaramillo clarified that the state has no obligation regarding minimum toll collection guarantees for investors. The estimated toll for private vehicles is around 55 pesos, though this is not yet confirmed. The project is slated for completion within 18 to 24 months, with groundwork expected to start in the summer.
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### Related Developments in Baja California
In other transport-related updates, the cost of tolls across various toll booths in Baja California has seen a recent increase, sparking discussions about the economic impact on regular commuters and freight services. This increase comes amid rising maintenance costs and investment in infrastructure improvements designed to enhance road safety and efficiency.
Additionally, there has been growing public discourse as community groups in Tijuana urged the government to reevaluate the location of the Commission for the Search of Missing Persons, highlighting concerns over accessibility and security in the current premises. These developments underscore the dynamic infrastructural and political landscape in the region as efforts are made to balance growth with public service needs.