### Steel Shortage Delays Morelos Node Project
The construction of the Morelos Node in Tijuana is anticipated to reach a 90% completion rate by the end of November, according to Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, head of the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Territorial Reorganization (Sidurt). The project faced significant delays due to a nationwide shortage of steel, prompting the procurement of materials from China and having a local company conduct quality testing.
Espinoza Jaramillo explained, “By the end of November, we aim to have the entire bridge assembled and begin pouring concrete on top. The objective is to have all the structures in place by November.” On a related note, Sidurt has announced temporary road closures for the installation of ramps, specifically the section running from Rosas Magallón Boulevard to 5 and 10.
Currently, the team is working on four segments to connect the ramps to their initial supports, with ongoing efforts in Rosarito preparing falseworks to pour concrete within ten to twelve days. This should allow for similar activity on Rosas Magallón in about three to four weeks.
To overcome the steel deficit within the country, the required material will be imported from Asia, with approximately 90 prefabricated steel pieces expected to arrive at Ensenada between November 7 and 8. These pieces, ranging from 25 to 35 meters in length, are set to be assembled in three designated areas near the construction site to facilitate installation. Notably, despite engaging foreign enterprises for materials, no increase in project cost has been reported due to the fixed-price contract agreement.
### Related Updates
Additional transport delays are anticipated in Tijuana due to public transport reductions on Halloween night, as stated by local authorities. They suggest residents plan their travels accordingly, given that many will opt for public buses to reach the city center during festivities.
In other updates, local merchants have reported sluggish sales during Halloween and Día de Muertos, attributing it to recent events. Meanwhile, weather forecasts predict clear skies with a maximum temperature of 22° Celsius for Thursday, while public offices under the XXV Ayuntamiento in Tijuana are expected to suspend operations on November 1st and 4th in observance of All Saints’ Day and Day of the Dead.