TULUM, Quintana Roo – In a move aimed at streamlining transportation infrastructure and urban development, authorities have reached a consensus regarding the alignment of Tulum’s bypass road with the Tren Maya railway, according to Carlos Salas Minaya, the Municipal Director of Urban Development for the ninth municipality.
This decision comes after several collaborative working sessions and close coordination with federal authorities. Municipal officials are actively seeking to synchronize Tulum’s growth with the Federal Urban Development Program. Salas Minaya emphasized the successful collaboration between different levels of government, stating, “The route for the bypass road is nearly finalized, and it will coincide with the path of the Tren Maya. We are fortunate to be working hand in hand and in close coordination. We are addressing matters related to the Urban Development Program, and our engagement with the federal government has been highly positive.”
Salas Minaya further specified that they plan to leverage the railway project’s right-of-way, with the entrance to the bypass road located at the Jacinto Pat ejido and the exit after the Aldea Tulum residential area. “Previously, the entrance was a separate project from the train. Now, we are utilizing the railway route. The entrance will be at Jacinto Pat and the exit after Aldea Tulum. All parties involved, including authorities at the three levels of government, have agreed that this is the best option, and we will be utilizing the Tren Maya’s right-of-way,” he explained.
He added that they expect to have the project ready to submit to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) within two to three months. However, it should be noted that the federal agency has its own timelines for approval, bidding, and construction.
Regarding the municipalization of the southern zone, which connects with the Tulum-Felipe Carrillo Puerto highway, Salas Minaya stated that it is currently under analysis. He clarified that the municipalization of the southern part of the municipal seat extends up to Avenue 5, with the Center for Trilingual Studies, In Najil Xook Tulum, serving as a reference point.
“The municipal, state, and federal governments have a lot to coordinate, and nothing has been definitively decided yet. Naturally, as the area that is municipalized expands, more services and infrastructure will be required,” emphasized the interviewee.
The alignment of Tulum’s bypass road with the Tren Maya railway signifies a significant step toward optimizing transportation networks and fostering sustainable urban development in the region. The decision to utilize the railway’s right-of-way underscores the importance of strategic collaboration between different levels of government, ensuring the efficient utilization of resources and the seamless integration of various infrastructure projects.
While the project’s completion is subject to the federal government’s approval, bidding processes, and subsequent construction, the municipal authorities are committed to delivering a comprehensive proposal to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation within a timeframe of two to three months. Tulum, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, stands to benefit immensely from these developments, as the alignment of the bypass road with the Tren Maya railway will facilitate improved connectivity and enhanced accessibility for both locals and tourists alike.
As the southern zone’s municipalization is being evaluated, further deliberations will be required to determine the scope and extent of this process. It is essential for the municipal, state, and federal governments to work collaboratively, taking into account the necessary services and infrastructure required to support the expanded municipal area effectively.
The future of Tulum’s transportation infrastructure and urban development appears promising, as authorities continue to make informed decisions that prioritize sustainable growth, efficient transportation networks, and the preservation of the region’s unique charm. The synchronization of the bypass road with the Tren Maya railway represents a significant milestone in Tulum’s ongoing journey towards becoming a model city, where progress and preservation go hand in hand.
