### The New Marvel of Chinese Engineering
On June 24, 2024, the long-awaited Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor was officially inaugurated at the mouth of the Zhejiang River. This remarkable highway spans a total length of 24 kilometers and features a 6.8-kilometer underwater tunnel with two artificial islands at each end. Additionally, the corridor boasts a bridge extending 1,666 meters, with two towering structures standing at 270 meters each. The bridge itself rises 90 meters above sea level and supports eight lanes in total, comprising four lanes in each direction.
This infrastructural marvel predicts the growing demand for more traffic lanes over the next decade. Interestingly, Tijuana is currently witnessing the construction of the Elevated Viaduct from the Airport to Playas de Tijuana, a project aimed at addressing the city’s long-standing issues of urban mobility—problems precipitated by a lack of forward-thinking planning.
In 1975, Tijuana hosted the first Civil Engineering Congress, sponsored by the College of Civil Engineers of Tijuana, which saw active member Rubén Orozco Reyes present a paper on the city’s urban mobility. Titled “Outline of the Road Development Plan for Tijuana,” the presentation proposed three major road circuits: East, Central, and West, modeled after California’s six-lane highways. Despite positive reception from the congress attendees, the then State Secretary of Public Works, José Antonio Sánchez Hernández, dismissed the need for such expansive roads at the time. Orozco had warned that although such roads weren’t an immediate necessity, they would become crucial in the future.
Decades later, Tijuana’s narrow roads have become chaotic, a testament to poor urban planning and a lack of foresight. The proposed Av. International, part of the West Circuit, is now the site for the four-lane Elevated Viaduct connecting the Airport to Playas de Tijuana. Civil Engineer Rubén Orozco Reyes questions why this project is limited to four lanes instead of six or eight, arguing that such projects could be executed in stages, starting with four lanes on one level and making provisions for a second level if needed.
As an expert in the field, Orozco Reyes is skeptical about whether the Elevated Viaduct will resolve the city’s congestion issues and believes it will soon become overcrowded.
Sincerely,
Rubén Orozco Reyes
Postgraduate Degree in Roadways
Email: [email protected]
### In Other News
**GAP to Invest 9.833 Billion Pesos in Tijuana Airport**
Recent reports highlight that Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) announces a significant investment of 9.833 billion pesos in the Tijuana Airport. This investment comes as part of their broader strategy to improve airport infrastructure and enhance passenger experience. GAP’s investment plan is expected to boost the airport’s capacity, modernize facilities, and ultimately contribute to the region’s economic growth.
**Multiple Roadblocks Reported in Culiacán, Sinaloa**
In other updates, several roadblocks have been reported in Culiacán, Sinaloa. Authorities are working diligently to address these blockades and ensure the safety of residents and travelers. Updates on this situation are ongoing, as local enforcement agencies strive to restore normalcy in affected areas.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for more news and updates on these and other important topics.