The design and build contract for Guatemala’s new Belice II bridge will now be handled by construction firm Grupo Muratori. A 24 month construction period is expected for the project, which is costing US$226.6 million.
The new bridge will form part of a 5km connection, improving transport in and out of Guatemala City and linking with the important CA9 Central American Highway. The route will feature two lanes in either direction as well as provision for emergencies. The proposed bridge design is for a dual deck structure, with the lower deck handling a metro rail link.
Construction of the new bridge will reduce congestion on the existing Belice Bridge, which is proving unable to cope with current traffic volumes. The maintenance needs of the existing bridge link have also been a cause for concern as the structure has suffered a number of technical issues.
