The start of the new school year coincides with at least a dozen public works projects in various parts of the city. The western part of the metro area, with its concentration of private schools, is expected to feel the biggest impact from the sudden surge in traffic.
State Traffic Police Director Francisco Poe said he expects a 40-percent increase in traffic at school opening and closing times. More than 620 officers will be dispatched to guarantee the safety of students at 159 institutions, he said.
Some 1.7 million schoolchildren return to classes on Monday, August 24. They join the 255,000 Universidad de Guadalajara students who began their studies a week earlier.