The Ensenada Business Coordinating Council (CCE) is pressing state and federal governments to move forward on three road infrastructure projects it considers essential for the region, with the Tijuana-Ensenada Bypass at the top of the list.
Sergio Torres, the CCE’s infrastructure commission coordinator, said on June 15 that the bypass, a six-lane widening of the San Miguel toll booth-to-Ensenada port corridor, and the next phase of the Libramiento ring road must all advance at the same time. He called the projects critical for regional competitiveness, mobility, and safety.
Why the Bypass Matters for Baja Travelers
The Tijuana-Ensenada corridor currently depends on two roads: the scenic toll highway (Cuota) and the older free road (Libre). The toll road has been repeatedly disrupted by landslides and geological instability along its coastal cliffs. When closures occur, all traffic is funneled onto the narrow, winding Libre, creating dangerous congestion.
The proposed bypass, also known as the Ruta Alterna, would create a third route between the two cities. The road would run inland, connecting roughly between the Bajamar area and Rancho Bonito, bypassing the vulnerable coastal stretch entirely. Torres said the project would provide greater certainty for the movement of people, goods, and visitors while strengthening emergency response capacity.
Port Access and Urban Truck Traffic
The CCE also wants the highway between the San Miguel toll plaza and the Port of Ensenada widened from four to six lanes. That stretch serves as the main artery for commercial freight heading to and from one of Baja California’s busiest ports. Torres said expanding capacity there would benefit companies involved in foreign trade and port operations, as well as the tourism sector.
On the Libramiento ring road, Torres called for the next construction phase to begin. The ring road is designed to divert heavy truck traffic away from Ensenada’s main urban streets, reducing wear on city roads and improving safety for local drivers.
Project Has Federal Backing but Faces Hurdles
The bypass concept has been discussed for years. In October 2025, federal officials confirmed funding was in place for the project. Ensenada Mayor Claudia Agatón Muñiz has publicly supported the route. But the project still faces environmental review and community concerns. Fishing communities along the proposed path have raised questions about impacts on their livelihoods, and environmental groups are monitoring the process.
CCE President Julio Salinas López echoed Torres’ urgency, saying the risk of another collapse on the scenic highway makes the bypass indispensable for guaranteeing connectivity between Tijuana and Ensenada. The story was first reported by Ensenada.net and covered by Uniradio Baja California and El Vigía.