There’s finally a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel in the prolonged renovation of Chapala’s central thoroughfare.
The rebuild of the north-south lane of Avenida Francisco Madero was completed late last week, and reopened to through traffic on Friday, September 15, just in time for the weekend’s Grito and Independence Day celebrations.
On Monday morning, work crews resumed reconstruction on the opposite side of the avenue along the segment running between Calle López Cotilla and the Arroyo San Marcos bridge. With that, northbound vehicles are now being detoured for two-way traffic across the way.
Intersections at Flavio Romero de Velasco and Miguel Martínez remain open, allowing for the arrival and departure of Chapala-Guadalajara passenger buses at the main terminal.
Motorists concerned about getting trapped in traffic jams may consider taking alternative routes on the interior streets of the town center. However, they should keep in mind that the upper level of Paseo Ramón Corona running parallel to the waterfront will be temporarily blocked off during the September 26 to October 4 Fiestas de San Francisco celebration (see story page 11). In addition, congestion along Madero will increase between 6 and 7 p.m. on those dates when religious processions are held.
Meanwhile, the local vendors operating sidewalk stalls on the east side of Madero have been relocated back to the Chapala plaza where they originally hawked their foods, produce and miscellanea