Guatemala begins removing damaged Güijo Bridge structure and prepares Bailey bridge

Guatemala has begun dismantling the damaged superstructure of the Güijo Bridge at kilometer 111 of the CA-9 Norte route to the Atlantic, while traffic continues over a temporary crossing beside it.

The Communications, Infrastructure and Housing Ministry said crews are also clearing the river channel upstream. They are building drainage ditches and opening a spillway channel as part of the emergency response.

The temporary crossing, or badén, opened ahead of schedule on Saturday, August 29, to restore road connectivity toward Zacapa after the bridge collapsed. Authorities have urged drivers to slow down near kilometer 111, follow the signs and obey instructions from PROVIAL brigades.

The temporary crossing is only the initial solution. The ministry is preparing to install a Bailey bridge, a modular structure that will provide the next stage of access. Officials are arranging its transport while building the foundations where it will stand. The work could take between one month and a month and a half.

The bridge’s location was chosen after a review of the highway alignment. The ministry said the center line of the two lanes matches the site of the collapsed structure, making it impossible to work directly there while traffic remains open.