ROADWAYS


OVERVIEW

 Despite an impressive program to construct limited access highways, Mexico's roadways

are inadequate and, without major programs to improve maintenance and alleviate overloading.

the situation will deteriorate. In terms of total mileage of all roadways and of limited access

highways, Mexico's system is comparable to that of Illinois, which has one eighth the

population and between a thirteenth and a fourteenth the area of Mexico (Castillo and Motor

Vehicle Manufacturers Association). With the exception of the new limited access highways,

Mexican roadways tend to be congested, dangerous, and in disrepair.


LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY SYSTEM, PRIVATIZATION, AND MAINTENANCE

 Cognizant of the need for developing an adequate highway system, particularly given the

prospects for increased trade with the U.S. and Canada, Mexico has embarked on an ambitious

program to link all major border crossings and population centers with divided, four lane,

limited access highways, similar to U.S. Interstates. Since 1988, over 3,000 kilometers of these

roadways have been put into service. Many of these roadways have been funded privately or

through private-public partnerships. Firms are given concessions to build and operate highways

for up to 20 years, after which the facility becomes the sole property of the State. During this

time, they may charge tolls in order to recoup their investment.

 The necessity for building Interstate-class roadways is clear and the program has been

 successful in developing such roadways, however three severe and related problems have arisen.