The Administration of the National Port System (ASIPONA Manzanillo) confirmed that by the end of July, the second entrance to the port area (north access) will become operational, as T21 reported in early May. This project aims to alleviate the traffic congestion in the Tapeixtles section of the city.
According to a statement from the port authority, the new road will start from Libramiento El Naranjo towards the North Zone, crossing Boulevard Miguel de la Madrid through a bridge that will alleviate city traffic.
The elevation will span 900 meters, with a width of 19 to 21 meters including guardrails and extra width for horizontal curves. It will pass over Ballena Street, Boulevard Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, a confined route, railway tracks, and the streets Uno Norte, Antonio Suárez, Pargo, and Pez Espada.
Additionally, it was mentioned that there will be two ramps with mechanically stabilized walls for access. It will intersect with Algodón Street, Tapeixtles Alley, and Correos de México Street.
Traffic lights will regulate the crossings, and it is expected that this second access will accommodate an average daily traffic of four thousand vehicles.
“Although the road layout is planned for heavy traffic, citizens will also be able to use it. In this initial stage, circulation will be possible from Algodones Street, and once the expansion works on Libramiento El Naranjo are completed, the connection with this second access will be established,” stated Abraham Aguirre, construction supervisor from ASIPONA Manzanillo under the Secretariat of the Navy.
Customs Schedule Extension
At the same time, the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) announced an extension of service hours at the Manzanillo port customs, effective June 1st.
The new operating hours are: Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. for import activities; whereas, for exports, the schedule will be continuous 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“This will facilitate and increase operations in Mexico’s most important port, significantly reducing waiting times, resulting in greater cargo evacuation, benefiting national and foreign companies using the services of various terminals,” stated the Association of Terminals and Operators of Manzanillo (Astom).
During the first four months of 2024, the port of Manzanillo has handled a total of 11,078,071 tons of cargo (including loose and containerized general cargo, agricultural and mineral bulk, petroleum and its derivatives, and other fluids), representing a 5.0% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the General Coordination of Ports and Merchant Marine (CGPMM).
In terms of containers handled, the port records one million 272 thousand 955 TEUs (20-foot containers) during the January-April period of this year, representing a year-on-year growth of 14.5 percent.
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