**Renovation of Tijuana’s Beach Boardwalk Halted Due to Safety Concerns**
The reconstruction of the Playas de Tijuana boardwalk has been temporarily suspended by Baja California’s Civil Protection Authority due to a lack of adequate safety measures. According to Juan Enrique Bautista Corona, head of the Secretariat of Urban Development and Environmental Planning (SDTUA), the project was halted because it lacked proper signage and clearly defined areas.
“The recommendation was to pause the construction until the necessary measures are implemented. We expect to comply within the week and resume work shortly,” Bautista Corona stated. On-site, six excavators bear suspension seals from the Civil Protection Authority, dated September 13, 2024, under verification order number 0063/2024.
The SDTUA head mentioned that the agency would collaborate with local Civil Protection, lifeguards, and the Municipal Secretariat for Citizen Security and Protection (SSPCM) to keep the public away from the construction site, thereby preventing accidents. “We’ve installed signage, yellow tape, and plastic barriers. Unfortunately, people often ignore or even remove these cautionary measures. Given the area’s large size, it is nearly impossible to maintain a human barrier to control the situation,” Bautista Corona added.
As of Monday, the site lacked any clear markings or delimitations, with beachgoers crossing the construction zone freely. Originally, the boardwalk’s renovation was set to be completed by September 30, but delays have pushed this date back. “Construction projects often face time extensions. Factors like high tides have hindered certain progress, all of which is fully justified. We are updating the next administration on this and other ongoing projects,” Bautista Corona explained.
The renovation plans include a 1.2-kilometer stretch from the border wall to the lifeguard station, featuring bike parking, access ramps to the pedestrian walkway, and wooden stairs leading to the beach.
**Additional News on the Topic**
**Beach Cleanup in Tijuana Limited Due to Boardwalk Reconstruction**
As the boardwalk reconstruction continues, the clean-up activities at Tijuana Beach have been limited. Civil Protection has emphasized reinforcing safety measures, including additional signage and barriers, to prevent accidents. While these measures are in place, the public is urged to respect warnings and steer clear of restricted areas.
**Efforts to Maintain Visitor Flow Despite Work**
The Tourist and Conventions Committee (COTUCO) of Tijuana has noted that the ongoing renovations have not significantly impacted visitor numbers to the beach. Efforts to maintain safe access points and clear communication with the public have helped manage visitor expectations and maintain the area as an attractive spot for both locals and tourists.
**Local Safety Measures and Public Response**
Despite implementing numerous safety measures, officials face challenges as many beach visitors disregard warnings. The civic bodies continue to explore more effective ways to enforce safety protocols and ensure a smooth workflow for the building crew, to avoid further delays in the project’s completion.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for updates on the boardwalk reconstruction and other significant developments in Tijuana.