SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Construction of an elevated highway just south of the border in Tijuana has been the source of a dozen accidents since work began almost two years ago, according to Zeta, a weekly investigative publication.
Four weeks ago, a crane collapsed injuring eight workers.
Zeta published a report last Friday quoting several former employees who said “there is no quality control or safety supervision,” and that “there is no one checking the work to make sure it’s being done right.”
The roadway was supposed to be finished by now, but the city of Tijuana now estimates it won’t be complete until the end of 2026.
It’s going to cost at least $1 billion.
According to state figures, 1,500 workers have been involved in building this 6-mile long elevated highway connecting Tijuana’s coastal communities with the city’s airport to the east.
“If someone knows, or doesn’t know how to do the work, it’s not checked,” one ex-worker told Zeta.
The unidentified man says he worked on the project for about a year as a concrete finisher and claims he saw deficiencies in the quality of the concrete, it’s compaction, consolidation and curing.
“All they cared about was moving to finish the project faster,” he said. “We were always in a hurry. Engineers would tell us to leave it and not worry about proper settlement.”
Another worker stated many who are hired lack proper experience while others are drunk or on drugs when working.
He also stated many are also disgruntled because they are working on 90-day contracts and often don’t get paid what was promised.
“Many were laid off earlier this year when they complained about being shortchanged with their paychecks,” the former worker said. “They make you sign these 14-page contracts that many don’t read allowing them to fire you when they want.”
According to Zeta’s report, project engineers rejected workers’ accusations, arguing that the viaduct is being built “to the highest standards” and that those who drive on it when it’s done “will notice its high quality.”
Mexico’s Secretary of Defense, which is in charge of the project, admits there have been delays due to steel shortages and design changes, but denies crews are working in unsafe conditions.
The viaduct, when complete, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion around downtown Tijuana and the San Ysidro Port of Entry allowing commuters to travel from Tijuana’s coastal communities to the city’s airport in about 12 minutes.
Two, kilometer-long tunnels have been dug as part of the project. Both are reportedly done.
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