The Congress of Guatemala has approved the Priority Road Infrastructure Law, a new regulation aimed at ensuring the efficient development and maintenance of the country’s road network, with special attention to critical sections for commerce and the transportation of goods.
With this law, the creation of the Directorate of Priority Road Projects (DIPP) is established. This autonomous entity will assist the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing in managing the most significant road projects. The DIPP will operate with technical, administrative, and financial independence, and its main functions will include planning, supervising, and evaluating the development of priority road projects.
The Directorate will be headed by the Minister of Communications and will have a Board of Directors composed of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Economy, as well as representatives from the College of Engineers, the Guatemalan Chamber of Construction, the Council of International Transport Users of Guatemala, and the Manager of the DIPP. These individuals will be accompanied by substitutes to ensure the continuity of operations.
Regulation of Contracts and Bidding
The law also regulates road project contracts, stating that contracts cannot exceed 30 years, including any modifications. The bidding processes must comply with the provisions of the law, regulations, and applicable standards, and the bidding bases will be published in the Guatecompras system.
Focus on Priority Routes
Another key focus of the law is to ensure that the country’s main routes are in optimal condition to handle the high volume of vehicular traffic, especially in critical sections for the economy and transportation. The prioritized routes include:
- CA-1 West (km 45 – km 99): El Tejar to Tecpán
- CA-1 East (km 31 – km 40): Pueblo Nuevo Viñas
- CA-2 West (km 61 – km 252): Escuintla to Tecún Umán, San Marcos
- CA-2 East (km 61 – km 162): Escuintla to Pedro de Alvarado, Jutiapa
- CA-8 (km 74 – km 120): El Molino Santa Rosa to Frontera Valle Nuevo, Jutiapa
- CA-9 North (km 21 – km 41): Guatemala City to Sanarate
- CA-9 South (km 36 – km 39): San Vicente Pacaya
- CA-13: From CA-9 North to the Corinto Border Customs
- CA-14 (km 84.45 – km 210): El Rancho, Sanarate to Cobán, Alta Verapaz
andres.cofino@garciabodan.com
Senior Associate
García & Bodán
Guatemala