**Nodo Morelos Project Delayed Due to Santa Ana Winds; Completion Expected by End of January**
The construction of the Nodo Morelos, which was initially scheduled to be completed by December 22, 2024, has faced delays caused by the powerful Santa Ana winds. These winds have hindered the operation of cranes necessary for the construction, as per Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, the Secretary of Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Territorial Reorganization.
The delays have also been attributed to the decision to minimize daytime road closures on Tijuana-Rosarito Highway and Rosas Magallón Boulevard, as well as the extensive quality testing conducted on the new bridges’ structure.
So far, all the components have been assembled for the nearly 600-meter bridge. Work will continue on the upper section, with concrete application planned over the next three to four weeks. The project, under the Respira program, is now expected to be completed by January 30, which also coincides with the end of the contract.
“We are currently installing the concrete on the top layer, approximately 10% complete. The target is to finish by January 15-20, allowing for the required resistance testing, which can typically provide results in three days but generally takes 14 days,” Espinoza Jaramillo elaborated at the morning conference on December 23.
The secretary emphasized the importance of not rushing the concrete installation to prevent quality issues seen in previous projects. Once the two new bridges are operational, some existing ramps may be closed to streamline traffic flow.
“Considering the route from 5y10 to Rosarito, there’s no point in keeping the ramp. All vehicles should preferably travel on the overhead path,” Espinoza Jaramillo noted, predicting that 50% of current traffic will shift to the newly modernized Nodo Morelos once it opens.
**Additional Update: Upcoming Weather Challenges**
In other news related to the region, strong winds and rainfall are anticipated during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day along the Coast of Baja California. Residents are advised to prepare for these conditions, which could further impact ongoing construction projects and transportation.
For more updates on this situation and other local news, visit TJGringo.com.