Progreso Residents Block Traffic for 12 Hours; State Sends Mediator

A 12-hour blockade by fed-up residents forced Yucatán’s state government to send a mediator to Progreso after neighbors shut down a major intersection to demand an end to heavy truck traffic through their neighborhoods.

Residents blocked the intersection at Calle 25 and 62 starting at 1 p.m. Friday, preventing tractor-trailers from reaching the port’s remote terminal. The standoff lasted until 1 a.m. Saturday, marking the third such protest in October alone.

Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena responded by sending Subsecretario de Gobierno Pablo Castro Alcocer to negotiate with the protesters. Castro Alcocer met with residents Saturday morning alongside José Elías Góngora Frías, representing Mayor Erik Rihani, and state deputy María Esther “Chelita” Magadán Alonzo.

The issue centers on a massive elevated viaduct that was built specifically to route trucks away from residential streets. The 2-billion-peso project (roughly $100 million) on Calle 82 connects the port’s remote terminal directly to the Mérida-Progreso highway. Construction wrapped up more than two months ago, yet the structure remains closed to truck traffic.

Castro Alcocer announced during Tuesday’s meeting that the viaduct will officially open Monday, November 10 at 9 a.m. with Governor Díaz Mena in attendance. But residents remain skeptical. The mediator explained that even after opening, Calles 46, 25, and 86 will continue functioning as alternate routes for accidents, maintenance, or emergencies.

That prospect doesn’t sit well with neighbors who have endured months of disrupted daily life. Heavy trucks have cracked pavement, destroyed speed bumps, and blocked driveways when drivers park along residential streets. Some residents report near-daily close calls and accidents caused by speeding trucks.

State officials say federal law requires maintaining a “free route” to the port, which explains why alternate streets must stay open. Large speed bumps and traffic signal foundations have already been installed along these routes, though authorities haven’t clarified what percentage of trucks will actually use the viaduct.

During Friday’s blockade, National Guard personnel, Mexican Navy officials, and police photographed and filmed the protesters. The demonstration effectively paralyzed port operations, with dozens of trucks stuck on both sides of the blockade.

Residents agreed to disperse around 1 a.m. at the state government’s request, with assurances that negotiations would continue. But some neighbors aren’t taking chances. A group has hired legal representation to challenge authorities who continue permitting heavy truck traffic through residential areas.

The state government has scheduled a meeting this week between the viaduct concessionaire, port authority ASIPONA, and users to finalize operational details and set the opening date.

Progreso’s port has experienced explosive growth recently. Between January and April 2025, the city welcomed 74 cruise ships carrying more than 200,000 passengers — a 131% jump from the previous year. The port now handles 40% of Mexico’s textile and food exports, creating constant demand for truck access.

The viaduct was built under a 40-year concession by Operaciones Autovía Libramiento Progreso. It spans the entire length of Calle 82, designed to let freight vehicles bypass downtown completely. But the extended delay in opening has left neighbors wondering if relief will ever come.

The October protests reflect mounting frustration. Since May 2024, when the streets were designated as temporary routes during construction, residents have watched their quality of life deteriorate. They say truck drivers speed through neighborhoods, park illegally, and have shown aggressive behavior when confronted.

For residents who have blocked intersections three times in one month, Monday’s scheduled opening can’t come soon enough. Whether the viaduct actually diverts all truck traffic remains to be seen.