**Transpeninsular Highway: A Critical State of Disrepair**
Residents in northern Baja California Sur have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Transpeninsular Highway, the main thoroughfare vital for transportation of goods across the peninsula. They describe the road as hazardous, plagued with perilous potholes that have been neglected by federal authorities all year.
State Governor Víctor Castro Cosío acknowledged the lack of maintenance on the 713 kilometers owned by the state, citing budgetary constraints within the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT). The situation has escalated beyond inconvenience, becoming a genuine safety hazard. Numerous accidents have been reported, underscoring the urgency for repairs.
In response to persistent complaints from travelers and local officials, including those from Mulegé, the governor queried the federal department. The answer being a lack of funds for repairs. A tragic incident highlighted the danger at kilometer 91 on the Vizcaíno-San Ignacio stretch, where a family of five perished after colliding with a truck.
The governor, after inspecting northern roads, confirmed the deterioration, promising they should have been addressed by now. Reports also include the Santa Rosalía to San Ignacio segment. In the face of federal funding inaction, the state has been forced to allocate its own limited resources where possible.
The issue has reached the federal Senate, with Senator Guadalupe “Lupita” Saldaña pushing for immediate action and accountability from SICT head Jorge Nuño Lara. Despite being a vital economic link for the region, the highway remains largely unmaintained, contributing to the risk of fatal accidents and damage to vehicles.
Advocates are calling on the newly elected government under Claudia Sheinbaum to prioritize revamping the 1,700 km Transpeninsular Highway, as pledged during her campaign. Meanwhile, ongoing road safety debates continue, with some officials insisting that driver error, not road conditions, are typically to blame for accidents.
**Secondary Article: Economic Impacts on Commerce Due to Road Deterioration**
The deterioration of the Transpeninsular Highway has had significant economic repercussions, particularly affecting local commerce in Baja California Sur. As highlighted by local business leaders, the roadway’s condition directly influences freight costs, with businesses facing increased transportation risks and expenses.
Juan Carlos Esqueda Hampl of the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce (Concanaco) stresses that Baja California Sur relies heavily on this highway, given its isolation from mainland trade routes. The poor road quality exacerbates costs for goods and impacts the final consumer prices.
This has prompted business sectors, including the restaurant and food industries, to echo the concerns. David Alejandro Gracia Hinojosa, representing the restaurant sector, notes that delivery times have been extended, affecting operations and potentially leading to increased prices for consumers.
The situation demands immediate attention to avoid further escalating costs and to ensure the safe transport of goods across the state. Many are calling for urgent road maintenance, arguing that safe and reliable infrastructure is critical for economic stability in the region.