It’s only 175 official kilometers. And, depending on the circumstances, it can be traveled as an island of proximity to development or as the most perennial reminder of a third world we don’t want to abandon.
Its six lanes of high-strength hydraulic concrete (eight in a 10-kilometer stretch near San Juan del Río) and several of its specifications—shoulders, protective barriers, speed bumps at the ends, green areas in certain sections, and connections to bypasses and secondary roads—can well inspire admiration in a first-time visitor.
And it doesn’t come without a price. On a good day, the Mexico-Querétaro highway can be traveled at a very good continuous speed, and one cannot help but be impressed by the enormous number of cargo trucks (30%), as well as the diversity of vehicles in transit.
But all it takes is a little attention, I recently commented to a foreign traveler, to observe the reflections of a country full of contradictions. For example:
- The CAPUFE toll booth in Tepotzotlán has an automated manual payment system. Yes. You read that correctly. A reader immediately validates tags of multiple brands, but, for some incomprehensible reason, the toll booth operator has to press a button to open the gate.
- No toll booth allows you to pay with credit cards. Drivers without a tag are forced to pay in cash. However, many have discovered that the gates have lateral flexibility and the guards are indifferent, so crossing without paying is a recurring option for many.
- The cellular network along the route is beyond deficient. Regardless of the telephone company, it is impossible to maintain a continuous call with good signal quality throughout the entire route. And there are some kilometers where there is no real service at all.
- Commercial legality and illegality coexist along the route. Gasoline is the best example. It’s possible to buy it pre-packaged and well-stocked at pumps from a variety of reputable brands, and it’s not difficult to spot the unusual places where stolen goods are sold.
- There are times when you can drive the entire stretch without seeing a single patrol car. And when you do see the National Guard, they’re more likely to be stopping trucks to “check their papers” than watching for drivers committing violations or stopping cars driving without license plates.
- Toward Querétaro, at certain times, the Huehuetoca detour creates so much traffic on the side road that it clogs up the center lanes of the highway, causing miles of traffic that no one seems to care about.
We were driving one evening with excellent visibility, and the GPS indicated an accident ahead. The average speed dropped to 10-20 kilometers per hour. On a short trip, we traveled for 60 minutes until we witnessed two vehicles colliding and the local population helping the injured passengers. No authorities. No officials. Just a reminder of how the absence of essentials increases the problems in a society.
And so it goes for dozens of days. This important highway is a snapshot of the country’s reality. When the flow stops, drivers know they will face uncertain waits, an explosion of insecurity, and a lack of timely public information that prevents them from making quality alternative decisions.
But when cars and trucks enjoy continuous movement, the route can be spectacular. It offers a diverse landscape that reminds us that in Mexico we always seek, no matter what, to continue our journey because, regardless of the government, individuals are obligated to continue their journey.
Source: elfinanciero
