Cali confirms roads and bridges remain safe after earthquake and speeds up recovery

Cali’s main roads, bridges and sidewalks remain safe after the earthquake on Aug. 10, according to the city’s infrastructure department.

The department gave the assurance to Cali’s budget committee, saying the road network had suffered no serious structural damage. It said bridges, sidewalks and major arteries were out of danger for drivers and pedestrians.

The city government plans to invest 15.3 billion pesos through its Specific Action Plan. The money will fund targeted work in areas affected by collapses, along with specialized seismic vulnerability studies for vehicle and pedestrian bridges.

During the emergency response, the district’s new fleet of heavy machinery played a decisive role. Working with the Special Administrative Unit of Public Services and private companies, including firms that supplied cranes capable of lifting up to 300 tons, crews removed more than 75,000 tons of rubble and demolition material. Much of the waste will be recycled for paving stones and construction materials for future roads.

With the immediate response phase over, Mayor Alejandro Eder’s administration has returned to daily maintenance. Sixteen crews are carrying out paving, pothole repairs and public-space work in communes 5, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17 and 19, as well as rural areas and major routes including Avenida Simón Bolívar and Autopista Sur.