Mexico provides train megaproject updates

Mexico has provided updates on key infrastructure works, including the 161bn-peso (US$8bn) Maya train.

Soil preparation on the first four sections of the 1,500km railway is underway while concrete work is proceeding for the 93bn-peso Mexico City-Toluca interurban train.

MAYA TRAIN

Progress is being made on viaducts along the first section, according to a press release by tourism board Fonatur, which oversees the project.

The 228km stretch between Palenque and Escárcega crosses several rivers and other waterbodies.

This week, three steel and concrete supports for viaducts are scheduled for construction. In Tenosique, Tabasco state, drilling for viaduct foundations will involve the injection of concrete into foundations 1.8m wide and 18m deep.

Meanwhile, the transport and instillation of drainage pipes continues for the second section, running 250km between Escárcega and Calkiní.

Along the third section, covering 174km between Calkiní and Izamal, work continues on vehicle crossings. Fonatur highlighted that installations are underway for reinforced steel at the crossings, as well as reinforcements for a nearby abutment wall.

Compact work on the soil and embankments is in progress at the 182km fourth section between Izamal and Cancun.

No announcements were made about the fifth, sixth, or seventh sections. Construction decisions for these remain pending as environmental and social evaluations are underway.

The entire project has created 79,145 jobs, Fonatur said.

MEXICO CITY-TOLUCA INTERURBAN TRAIN

Section three, an elevated, 17km viaduct between the east tunnel and Observatorio station L-1, is 53% complete, communications and transport ministry SCT said at a press conference.

Concrete is being poured for the tracks of the second viaduct using telescopic pumps.

On Front 2, the federal highway, work continues to join prefabricated beams. Overnight work involves pre-casting prefabricated concrete tablets in preparation for installing a compression slab.

Other night work is taking place at Front 9 to precast girders and complete collation of remaining support beams.

The train will connect Mexico City and Toluca, with capacity of up to 300,000 passengers daily.