TIJUANA, Mexico — A major infrastructure project aimed at easing Tijuana’s traffic congestion continues to draw both anticipation and skepticism. The city’s elevated highway — known locally as the viaducto — is progressing under the supervision of Mexico’s Department of Defense, and officials now say it could be completed by mid-2026.
Construction of the 6-mile route, which began in 2023, is designed to provide a faster route from Tijuana’s coastal neighborhoods to the airport, bypassing the busy downtown core and the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The elevated structure will run alongside Avenida Internacional, just south of the U.S.-Mexico border.
While officials express confidence in a relatively quick completion timeline, some in the construction industry remain unconvinced.
Also Read – Village Budget, Elections, School News & Ruidoso Floods: What to Know This Week
Elmer Peña Ruvalcaba, a representative of Tijuana’s Chamber of Industry and Construction, says the current progress suggests the project may not wrap up until 2027. “We still see major work pending, particularly the support columns in central areas,” he said. “Timelines keep shifting — from the end of this year to the middle of next — but there’s no clear sense of how far along they truly are.”
The project is estimated to cost $1 billion and, once completed, could serve as a critical traffic solution for the border city. City planners expect the viaduct to carry approximately 200,000 vehicles daily, drastically improving commute times and traffic patterns.
“Whether you’re heading to the airport or to the beach, this roadway will cut travel down to minutes,” said one official familiar with the project. “Tijuana urgently needs infrastructure that eases congestion and supports mobility.”
As work continues, residents and businesses alike are keeping a close eye on the development — hopeful that the finished viaduct will live up to its promise.
