Guatemala transit alert: Heavy traffic expected on Pacific route through Sunday

Traffic authorities in Villa Nueva, Guatemala, are reporting significant traffic congestion heading south towards the Pacific coast. The surge in vehicles is attributed to the long weekend holiday celebrating Army Day, prompting many residents to travel for leisure.

The Municipal Transit Police (PMT) of Villa Nueva noted a steady increase in southbound traffic starting Friday, June 26. The congestion is particularly noticeable on stretches from kilometer 20 to kilometer 30 of the Pacific Highway (CA-9), where average speeds have dropped to as low as 10 kilometers per hour. This route is a primary access point for popular tourist destinations like Escuintla, Puerto San José, Iztapa, Monterrico, Taxisco, and Mazatenango.

Officials anticipate this heavy traffic will persist until Sunday, June 28. They are advising motorists planning to travel in the area to depart well in advance of their intended travel times and to maintain patience throughout their journey. Additionally, a separate accident on the Inter-American Highway (CA-1 West) near San Bartolomé Milpas Altas has further complicated traffic, blocking a lane and increasing delays.

In response to the ongoing congestion, the PMT of Villa Nueva has urged drivers to proceed with caution and responsibility to prevent accidents. The combination of holiday travel and an earlier accident has created a challenging situation for commuters heading to the coast and western regions of Guatemala.