New Tijuana Viaduct Hits Delay, Not the Brakes

If you were hoping to cruise above Tijuana’s daily traffic chaos by next year… slow down. The Viaducto Elevado—that shiny, elevated road linking the airport to Playas—won’t open in 2025 after all.

According to Tijuana’s Chamber of Construction (CMIC), this big-budget shortcut is now aiming for mid-2026.

What’s the Viaduct About?

This project plans to build a 10.5-kilometer road, with 6.6 kilometers suspended in the air. It connects Tijuana International Airport to Playas de Tijuana. No tolls. No semáforos. Just smooth, high-speed transit over the worst congestion zones.

Work officially began in November 2023. Engineers installed columns. Beams followed. Things looked promising.

So… What Went Wrong?

Don’t blame politics or Trump’s tariffs. The holdup is local.

Crews can’t finish certain sections because of land ownership issues. Some property owners haven’t moved. Underground utilities also need relocation. And areas like Cañón del Matadero? Not the friendliest ground for concrete.

All this adds time. So, forget September 2025. Mid-2026 is the new goal—if nothing else pops up.

Where’s the Money Coming From?

Mexico is footing the bill. The total investment tops 12 billion pesos—about $700 million USD. Most of it comes from FONADIN and the Customs Fund.

SEDENA, Mexico’s military engineers, are running the build. No budget drama here. They’ve got the plan, the crew, and the machines.

And here’s a smart move: they’re using Mexican steel. That means U.S. tariffs don’t apply. Local companies like INGETEK and APROS are supplying the prefabs, cutting import delays and cost surprises.

What’s in It for You?

Once finished, the viaduct could cut your airport-to-beach time by half. Tourists will love it. So will delivery drivers, border commuters, and anyone who’s tired of hearing Waze say, “rerouting again.”

It’ll also take pressure off key roads like Vía Rápida and Libramiento Sur. Less congestion, less honking, better air. That’s a win.

So, Is It Still Worth It?

Absolutely. Sure, the finish line moved. But this isn’t a failed promise—it’s just delayed progress. Projects this big always hit snags.

The important part? It’s still happening. It’s still funded. And it’s still going to make life better when it opens.

We’ll keep an eye on the timeline. Until then, pack patience. And maybe download a good podcast. That’s a win. Even if it arrives fashionably late.

Luisa Rosas-Hernández

Luisa Rosas-Hernández is a writer for the Gringo Gazette North, where she covers Baja’s wine scene, good eats, and public safety—with a healthy dose of wit and no bad news allowed. By day, she’s a health researcher recognized by Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI), and by night, she handles the Gazette’s finances and dabbles in social media—making sure the numbers add up and the posts pop. When she’s not chasing stories or crunching data, you’ll likely find her in the Valle enjoying a glass of red (or a crisp white with oysters)… for research purposes, of course.

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