The Tijuana City Hall will carry out rehabilitation work on the Centro Histórico–Puerta México vehicular bridge, commonly known as the “El Chaparral” bridge, following a technical opinion issued by the Municipal Directorate of Civil Protection.
Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz has repeatedly stated that maintaining the city’s urban infrastructure in optimal condition is a top priority for his administration. According to the mayor, the goal is to ensure the safety of all users through preventive measures, ongoing maintenance, and timely interventions.
According to Carlos Gastélum Félix, Director of Municipal Urban Works and Infrastructure (DOIUM), the damage detected does not compromise the bridge’s structural stability nor does it pose any risk to the public. He explained that the issues are localized and require both corrective and preventive maintenance, particularly on expansion joint components, as well as repairs to damage caused by vandalism from homeless individuals.
Keep reading: “Tijuana: Clean City” Program Benefits Over 7,500 Residents
Gastélum Félix added that the Secretariat of Territorial and Urban Development (SDTU), through DOIUM, will carry out the rehabilitation work. This will involve demolishing a section of the bridge slab to replace the expansion joint and pouring fast-setting hydraulic concrete. The quick curing time of the concrete will allow the project to be completed within approximately eight days from the start of construction.
The expansion joint will be custom-made by a specialized supplier, meaning delivery will take about a week before work can begin. Officials said the public will be informed in advance of the exact closure date.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Directorate of Civil Protection reported that on May 26, it conducted an inspection alongside staff from the Urban Administration Directorate (DAU) and DOIUM. The inspection was prompted by a report of possible damage to the bridge.
Related: Tijuana Reopens Workshops and Spaces for Men at COTRRSA
During the review, inspectors found deteriorated concrete with exposed rebar, displaced metal parapet elements, and damage to expansion joint components, mainly due to previous fires and vandalism. However, authorities determined that most of the bridge beams remain in their original positions and that there is no structural damage that would endanger the public.
As a result, Civil Protection issued a technical opinion recommending a specialized structural evaluation, maintenance of the damaged expansion joint and support, measures to prevent homeless individuals from accessing the area, and compliance with the 2018 Manual for the Conservation of Bridges and Similar Structures.
The Tijuana City Hall urges residents to stay tuned to official announcements regarding upcoming traffic adjustments during the rehabilitation work.
