Baja California

Marina del Pilar announces “Respira” program that aims to reduce traffic in Tijuana

Public works will be built to decrease road congestions

By Redacción 2022-04-25T23:59:00+00:00

The government of Baja California led by its governor, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda in cooperation with the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Territory Redesign announced the launch of the “Respira” (Breathe) program that is looking to reduce traffic in the city and lower environmental pollution levels.

In her message directed at Baja Californian society and the media, the governor explained the series of road projects for Tijuana and its surrounding areas, which is the first phase of the program that aims to recover traffic flow.

Marina del Pilar stated:

Every day in our lives, in the cities, there is a struggle. A struggle that we have to deal with every day against traffic that becomes worse and worse. A struggle against roads in bad shape, a struggle against obsolete public transportation, a struggle against a city model that is hostile to pedestrians and cyclists. It is not fair that so many hours of our lives are consumed by vehicular traffic.

Among the guests in this conference, representatives of the 24th State Congress Legislature, federal, state, and municipal authorities, representatives of corporate organisms, schools of professionals, civil society, and special guests were all present.

Mexico[b] loses around [b]14,000[b] lives every year due to environmental pollution, [b]24,000 due to traffic accidents and an important number due to diabetes and heart failures.

Marina del Pilar said:

Respira (Breathe) is to live, it means that another city is possible. It means quality time with our families, Respira means a cultural transformation and paradigm shift. It means a city model inclusive to social groups and historically marginalized people.

She also added:

Today we reveal the first phase of our comprehensive public works program that is proposing more dynamic, responsible, sustainable, and efficient cities.

Marina del Pilar said that Respira has four main focuses, the first one being the Recovery of Traffic Flow which is understood as the city being like a body that cannot live with blocked or damaged arteries; they have to flow healthily and dynamically. This means, they need to breathe properly.

The second focus is the Comprehensive Modernization of Public Transportation since breathing cities are those where people can leave their car at home and board high quality public transport units. This way, vehicular congestion, time sinks, environmental pollution, and excessive spending of fuel are all avoided.

The third focus is New Transportation and Mobility Technologies which means that mobility is both a need and a right for all citizens, which is why it must be guaranteed while taking advantage of the positive impact of technology to achieve efficiency with new modes of public transport.

The fourth focus is the Multiplication of Green Areas which alters public spaces by creating and recovering green spaces in order to favor family promenades, access to touristic and cultural activities, and sports in safe, clean, and worthy areas. All of these things influence positively in health and the well-being of everyone.

During her speech, Marina presented the first 6 public works that will be carried out in Tijuana which is part of her project’s first focus, Recovery of Traffic Flow. The first one called Corredor 2000, the 3rd contained lane” will positively impact 450,000 people.

The second public work will be the expansion of Alberto Limón Padilla Boulevard from Corredor 2000 to Calle 11 Norte. With this work there will be a greater traffic expansion with the adaptation of a third lane, decreasing travel times, and safer roads. This new work will connect directly with the new Otay II Border Crossing and will help to channel the core of border crossings.

The third work is Puente Casablanca in Corredor Tijuana-Rosarito 2000. This project will improve the corridor’s function, in the three lanes it has per direction, with merging and splitting ramps, and more returning lanes to Corredor 2000 to improve circulation.

The fourth work is the Expansion and Modernization of Morelos Node which consists of 4 traffic bridge exits. In its first phase, 2 bridges with 2 lanes will be built in their respective boundaries to create better traffic flow.

The fifth work is the Alamar Traffic Node at Boulevard Héctor Terán Terán. This node will achieve a decrease in traffic congestion in Vía Rápida (Fast Freeway) and will improve heavy cargo movements in the city, as well as safety and flow when driving.

The sixth work Boulevard Sánchez Taboada will connect Boulevard Fundadores to Santa Fe, 8 kilometers that will create an alternative for the area regarding traffic congestion. 2 bridges and 4 loops will be expanded and built to expand the node’s functionality.