emit and the Guatemala City PMT They are working on the implementation of the MotoVía pilot plan on Calzada La Paza project that seeks to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Here we tell you more details about this initiative and in which areas of the capital city it will be implemented.
Emetra and PMT of Guatemala City announced the implementation of a MotoVía pilot plan on Calzada La Paz
The Municipality of Guatemalathrough the Metropolitan Transportation and Transit Regulatory Entity ―Emit― and the Municipal Traffic Police ―PMT―has launched the pilot plan for a MotoVía on the La Paz Causewaylocated in Zone 17 of the capital. In a press conference held this Tuesday, October 15, the details of this project were announced, with which a technical evaluation will be carried out to determine the viability of implementing a exclusive rail for drivers.
This project, the first of its kind in Guatemala, arises from the need to improve road safety in one of the areas with the highest motorcycle traffic. According to data provided by the authorities, around 9,000 motorcycles circulate daily in this sector, with 10% of drivers not following traffic rules.
Crossing in a dangerous manner, as well as the use of sidewalks by motorists, are some of the behaviors that are sought to be avoided with the implementation of this third lane for motorcyclessince it represents a risk, both for pedestrians and drivers. In 2023, 2,927 accidents were recorded on Calzada La Paz, making it one of the most dangerous areas for motorcyclists in Guatemala City.
This is how the MotoVía will work on Calzada La Paz
The Calzada La Paz motorway will be implemented in two phases, covering a total section of 4 kilometers:
- First phase: This phase is already active and covers from the 3rd. Zone 17 Street, known as the “Zone 17 Hook”, to the Cuatro Caminos overpass. Vertical and horizontal signage has been installed, and the area has a whip-type structure that includes a screen to guide drivers, as well as traffic control cameras.
- Second phase: It will extend from Cuatro Caminos to 27th Street and Diagonal 14, in Zone 5 of Guatemala City.
The lane designated for the motorway is exclusive for motorcycles and allows a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour. The lane is identified with dashed blue lines, which allow vehicles with four or more wheels to change lanes using their lane indicator. Motorcycles, however, will also be allowed to circulate in the lanes adjacent to the motorway, if they wish. On the other hand, vehicles are prohibited from invading the exclusive lane of the motorway.
It should be noted that, if the project is expanded to other areas of the capital city, not all streets are suitable for the creation of motorways.
Regulation and monitoring
It is pilot plan It will have an initial duration of 45 days, divided into 30 days of observation and 15 days of data analysis. During this period, the PMT will be in charge of regulating the area, ensuring the correct use of the exclusive lane for motorcycles and supervising compliance with traffic regulations.
The Traffic Regulations in force in Guatemala establish provisions for the proper use of lanes by motorcycles, as well as the implementation of exclusive lanes. Article 100 stipulates that motorcycles must circulate occupying a lane, whether on the right, left side or in the center lane. Likewise, article 103 regulates the exclusive use of special lanes, prohibiting their use by unauthorized vehicles.
A model based on international experiences
For the implementation of this project, motorway experiences in other countries, such as Brazil and Spain, were taken into account. In these countries, motorcycles circulate in the center lane, this is because it makes it easier for them to cross to the right or left.
The authorities invite the residents of Guatemala City to share suggestions or comments about this project to the email [email protected].
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