Mérida, Yucatán — Work began on Wednesday to all but eliminate traffic lights on the periférico, the beltway that encircles the city.
After November, there will be just one light remaining on the ring road, as well as a stop sign at railroad crossing by the airport.
The Secretariat of Communications and Transportation has started construction of two overpasses, one at Calle 39 and the other at the Tixkokob exit, on the east side of town.
At Calle 39, the project has brought 250 jobs and 400 more indirectly. The completion date is scheduled for November and its total cost will be approximately 160 million pesos.
The Tixkokob site creates 150 jobs directly, and 300 jobs indirectly. It should be finished in September and is budgeted at 70 million pesos.
Signs will direct drivers to side streets, which will serve as interim detours until the work is complete.
One more hazard will remain, and perhaps be even worse at cars will be less impeded: People on tricyclos often cross the roads at night, so caution is urged.
With information from the Yucatán State Government
