**The Transpeninsular Highway: A Dangerous and Neglected Route**
Residents of the northern municipalities of Baja California Sur have raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the Transpeninsular Highway, the main transportation route across the peninsula. The highway’s condition, marked by numerous large potholes that have gone unrepaired throughout the year, poses significant risks to travelers. Governor Víctor Castro Cosío has acknowledged the lack of maintenance on the 713 kilometers of the highway in Baja California Sur, pointing out that the federal authorities in charge, the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT), do not have the necessary funds for repairs.
The highway’s poor condition has escalated from a mere inconvenience to a severe hazard, as highlighted by several traffic accidents reported in recent months. Local complaints have prompted the governor to challenge the federal government, which has admitted to waiting for resources to initiate repair work.
One of the tragic incidents that brought the highway’s danger into focus was a fatal accident near Mulegé, where five family members lost their lives in a collision with a truck. This tragedy has spurred discussions about the urgent need for highway maintenance and safety improvements.
The governor plans to rely on the incoming administration under President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who has promised to modernize the 1,700 kilometers of the Transpeninsular Highway during her campaign. Despite recognizing that the highway’s poor state has led to accidents, Governor Castro Cosío initially denied that the potholes were to blame.
Current data on highway-related incidents is incomplete, as the local health ministry lacks comprehensive statistics, and the National Guard is unwilling to provide detailed accident reports.
**Senate Intervention**
The issue has reached national attention, with Senator Guadalupe “Lupita” Saldaña Cisneros calling for immediate action from the federal SICT. Inconsistent maintenance of the highway poses a significant threat to both the safety of its users and the region’s economic development. Senator Saldaña has requested that the Secretary of Finance clarify why the National Road Conservation Program was indefinitely suspended, despite having an allocated budget of 11 billion pesos for this fiscal year.
**Economic Impacts on Local Commerce**
Corporate leaders such as Juan Carlos Esqueda Hampl of the National Chamber of Commerce and David Alejandro Gracia Hinojosa of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Foods Industry (CANIRAC) have expressed concern over the highway’s condition. They point out that the additional time and risk involved in transporting goods lead to increased costs, impacting local businesses and consumers.
Furthermore, the poor state of the road is affecting logistics and driving up costs, which may eventually translate to higher prices for consumers. The restaurateurs are especially worried about the delay in deliveries and subsequent rise in expenses, as fuel consumption and freight costs escalate.
Authorities are urged to act swiftly to address these issues to ensure safe passage on the highway and prevent further economic repercussions.
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**Additional Updates**
**Infrastructure Focus in Political Promises**
In a related development, political figures, including the upcoming President Claudia Sheinbaum, have cited road improvement and infrastructure development as key priorities in their political agendas. The proposed initiatives aim to boost economic growth through enhanced logistics and transportation networks.
**Calls for Transparent Reporting**
The ongoing lack of transparency surrounding highway accidents, partly due to the National Guard withholding detailed reports, has led community leaders to demand more accountability and clearer documentation of traffic incidents. This transparency is considered crucial for implementing effective measures to ensure road safety.