Progreso malecón to reopen to vehicles in 2025 after 4 years as a pedestrian-only zone
The traditional Progreso malecón will reopen to cars four years after it was converted into a pedestrian-only zone.
Since November 2021, the boardwalk — the most visited area in Progreso — has been officially closed to vehicular traffic. The closure, implemented on the orders of then-Mayor Julián Zacarías Curi, followed earlier renovation works and came as a surprise to residents when public spaces began reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to permanently close the boardwalk to vehicles initially shocked Progreso residents. For years, locals and visitors alike had enjoyed the tradition of driving along the waterfront. While the pedestrian-only format brought a new dynamic to the area, allowing only security, emergency vehicles, and Carnival floats, many residents longed for the return of car access.
Plans for reopening
Now, Mayor Erik Rihani González has announced that the boardwalk will reopen to vehicles next year. Speaking from the Municipal Palace, the mayor emphasized the importance of an “orderly and responsible” reopening process.
Preliminary access tests are scheduled for early 2025 to assess the logistics and infrastructure required for the change. The reopening is expected to coincide with the Easter holiday period in April.
“We are working on updating regulations for public spaces, particularly on the boardwalk, and enhancing infrastructure, including proper signage, planning, and police support to ensure traffic does not become a nuisance,” Mayor Rihani stated.
He also acknowledged the challenge of balancing vehicle access with the pedestrian-friendly nature of the promenade. “It’s a significant challenge to combine these two worlds,” he said.
Yucatán Magazine has the inside scoop on living here. Sign up to get our top headlines delivered to your inbox every week.
