Guatemala: Authorities recommend use of alternative routes after heavy rain causes bridge collapse on CA-1 Oriente near El Progreso, Jutiapa, June 28

Heavy rainfall has caused the collapse of the El Colorado bridge, located at Km 126 on CA-1 Oriente, near El Progreso, Jutiapa Department, as of June 28. While no casualties were immediately reported in connection with the incident, a semi-trailer truck reportedly got stuck at the scene, with the vehicle spanning the collapsed section of the bridge. The affected route notably leads to the San Cristobal border crossing that connects Guatemala with El Salvador; the bridge collapse will likely hamper operations and traffic flow at the crossing over the short term. Authorities have recommended that motorists take the following alternative routes due to the bridge collapse:

• Motorists traveling from Guatemala City toward the San Cristobal customs station: Divert at Km 118 toward the center of Jutiapa and Yupiltepeque, Jutiapa Department.

• Motorists traveling from the San Cristobal customs station toward Guatemala City: Divert at Km 128 toward the Laguna San Pedro junction, Monjas, Jalapa Department.

Officials have also encouraged businesses to route merchandise slated for import or export via the Pedro de Alvarado customs station, located in the southern section of the Guatemala-El Salvador border, following the bridge collapse. Authorities did not immediately specify when the El Colorado bridge would reopen to vehicular traffic.

Transport disruptions and heightened security will almost certainly continue to affect the vicinity of the El Colorado bridge until repair work is complete and the bridge reopens to traffic. Related transport disruptions may also extend across other parts of the jurisdictions adjacent to the Guatemala-El Salvador border over the coming days.