**Steel Shortage Causes Delays in Nodo Morelos**
The completion of the Nodo Morelos project is facing delays due to a nationwide steel shortage. Arturo Espinoza Jaramillo, head of the Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Territorial Reorganization Department (SIDURT), confirmed that around 90 prefabricated steel pieces are expected to arrive from Asia at the port of Ensenada between November 7th and 8th. This shipment is crucial to overcoming the current hold-ups and advancing the project’s progress to about 90% by the end of November.
Currently, the project’s costs have not increased, thanks to a fixed-price contract. Despite setbacks, the goal remains to have the bridge fully assembled by the end of the month. The prefabricated steel pieces, ranging from 25 to 35 meters in length, will be assembled at three designated locations near the construction site to streamline installation.
In preparation for the upcoming work, SIDURT has announced temporary closures for mounting operations on the Nodo Morelos project in Tijuana. A section from the Rosas Magallón Boulevard to 5 and 10 is currently closed for the installation of ramps. The night work includes installing four segments to connect a ramp to its initial support and preparing for concrete placement on the Rosarito section, which is anticipated to happen within the next two to three weeks.
**Additional Insights on the Steel Market**
The global steel market has been experiencing fluctuations, affecting multiple industries and construction projects worldwide. According to industry analysts, a primary contributor to this volatility is the disruption of supply chains due to geopolitical tensions and pandemic-related challenges. The Asian markets have emerged as key suppliers amid these shortages, with many countries increasingly relying on Asian steel exports to meet their demands.
This reliance on international suppliers underscores the necessity for efficient logistics and quality control. In the case of Nodo Morelos, local companies have been contracted to perform quality tests on the imported steel to ensure it meets the project’s standards.
As global construction continues to climb, the demand for steel is expected to rise, which could further impact prices and availability. Stakeholders and project managers are urged to incorporate adaptive strategies to mitigate these challenges in future projects.