The Communications and Transportation Secretariat (SCT), informed Congress’ Permanent Commissions that as of June, 7.2 billion pesos (over $39 billion) has been invested in the construction of the new Mexico City International Airport (NAICM).
In the report, which covers the period January 2013 to June 2016, SCT reported that in the last six months progress has been made in leveling and clearing of the ground, as well as the construction of 29 miles of internal roads and the construction of the perimeter fence, which are due to be completed before the end of the year.
The reports notes that between March and April, the process of obtaining construction permits for the most important sections of the project began. These included the terminal building, the control tower and runways 2 and 3. Advances were also made regarding environmental matters.
In order for project to be environmentally sustainable, approximately 5000 acres around the site will be reforested, and the construction of a 670-hectare city forest is also being considered.
The report also stated that hydraulic systems for Lake Texcoco will require an additional investment of 21.2 billion pesos. Since June, 28 construction projects related to the hydraulic systems project have been contracted, with a cost of more than 9 billion pesos. The goal of the hydraulic systems is to avoid flooding during heavy rains.
Of the 28 contracted works, 20 have been completed, with a cost of 2.29 billion pesos.
The hydraulic works currently in construction are: the Chimalhuacán Tunnel; the lining of the first and second Chimalhuacán drains; the construction of the Chimalhuacán II baseflow collector; the covering of the Rio de los Remedios; maintenance of the Churubusco regulator lake and the Churubusco-Xochiaca Tunnel.
Also, a project to channel the rivers of Mexico City will be built.
Regarding urban mobility for NAICM, the construction and expansion of 18 roads is scheduled, as well as the development of four Rapid Bus Transit system, to be carried out from 2016 to 2018. This is in addition to two subway lines.
Additionally, a feasibility study is being made to evaluate the possibility of building a three passenger services that would connect the NAICM with Buenavista.
VÍCTOR MAYÉN
