CIV announces the completion of the Chitomax Bridge, the second largest bridge in Guatemala
CIV completes the 272.75-meter Chitomax Bridge in Baja Verapaz, now the second largest in Guatemala, improving mobility and regional connectivity.
The CIV announced the full completion of the Chitomax Bridge, a major infrastructure project designed to strengthen mobility, commercial activity, and regional integration across Baja Verapaz and neighboring departments.
A New Milestone in National Infrastructure
According to the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (CIV), all construction phases of the Chitomax Bridge are now “100% finished.”
The structure is located in Cubulco, Baja Verapaz, and is expected to significantly support development for communities in Chitomax, Chibaquito, and Los Pajales while improving connectivity between Baja Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, Quiché, and Petén.
Guatemala’s Second Largest Bridge
With a total length of 272.75 meters, the Chitomax Bridge becomes the second largest in the country. Only the Río Dulce Bridge in Izabal, measuring 860 meters, surpasses it in size.
Built with concrete and steel, the structure spans the Río Negro, also known as the Chixoy River.
Key Structural Specifications
The CIV outlined the exact measurements and features of the new bridge, which include:
- Height: 232 meters
- Length: 272.75 meters
- Roadway width: 8 meters for vehicular traffic
- Handrails: Two, each 0.40 meters
- Pedestrian walkway: 1.50 meters
- Total width: 10.30 meters
The ministry also confirmed the use of high-resistance concrete, rated at 5,000 psi for the structural base and 4,000 psi for the foundation piles—materials chosen to withstand heavy transport and local climate conditions.
Transforming Mobility for Rural Communities
The project is intended to integrate seamlessly into the rural road development of the region, directly connecting Chitomax and Pajales, both located in the municipality of Cubulco.
“These populations, long affected by geographic isolation, will experience improved mobility, trade, and access to health and education services,” stated the CIV.
The ministry added that the new bridge is expected to “reduce travel times, help local producers transport their goods more easily, allow children to reach school without obstacles, and provide families with access to health services previously limited by distance.”
Built Through a BID-Funded Project
Documents from Guatecompras indicate that the bridge was financed through BID loan No. 4746/OC-GU, approved in 2020.
The construction contract was awarded in June 2022 to Grupo Muratori for Q192,165,183.90. The process faced several suspensions and extensions, pushing the completion date to November 13 of this year.
Final Administrative Steps Before Opening
When asked about the date the bridge will open for public use, the CIV confirmed that the only remaining step is the administrative handover. The ministry expects the Chitomax Bridge to be fully operational by the end of the month.
