This will be the plan to return to Bogotá by the Autopista Sur and Vía La Mesa on June 28 and 29

During the recent holiday bridge period, which took place over two days, authorities in the Valle del Cauca department implemented a comprehensive traffic safety strategy known as "Corredores Seguros" ("Safe Corridors"). This initiative was designed to manage the high volume of vehicles moving through the region's main roads during peak travel times. Over 300,000 vehicles were recorded on the roads of Valle del Cauca, with estimates ranging between 300,000 and 321,000. The strategy involved more than 200 officers and included 15 prevention areas set up along heavily trafficked routes. These efforts aimed to regulate traffic flow, monitor compliance with traffic regulations, and provide mechanical assistance when needed.

The implementation of this strategy focused on monitoring major highways and ensuring the safe movement of travelers. According to reports from the Centro de Gestión de Estrategias y Seguridad Vial (Ceges), the primary roads in the department saw the entry of 166,982 vehicles and the exit of 182,694. The coordination of these movements allowed officials to better manage the flow of traffic and reduce potential bottlenecks. Strategic points were prioritized under the "plan retorno," which aimed to facilitate the return journey of travelers after the holiday period. Additionally, 15 prevention zones were established in areas with higher driver activity, including special devices on tourist routes such as the road leading to Lake Calima in El Darién municipality. These zones also included river surveillance operations to ensure safety across all modes of transportation.

Despite these measures, there were incidents reported during the holiday period. The consolidated report from the Police of Highways indicated that 11 traffic accidents occurred, resulting in 15 injured individuals and four fatalities. Authorities reiterated their calls for drivers to exercise responsibility, caution, and strict adherence to traffic laws to prevent further tragic outcomes. While the overall goal of the operation was to enhance road safety, the occurrence of these incidents highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in managing high-traffic periods.

In addition to addressing traffic safety, the operation included extensive checks on vehicle compliance with national transit regulations. A total of 122 fines were issued for various infractions. Among the most common violations were 41 cases of driving without a valid license, 20 instances where drivers failed to have a current technical-mechanical inspection, and 14 cases involving expired mandatory accident insurance (SOAT). There were also 10 violations related to specific motorcycle regulations. During the inspections, 145 alcohol tests were conducted, one of which came back positive. As a result, 14 vehicles were immobilized.

Beyond traffic-related issues, the operation also led to the arrest of 14 individuals for crimes such as drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, personal injuries, receiving stolen property, and using forged documents. During these procedures, the National Police seized one firearm and more than half a ton of narcotics being transported through the region’s roads. These findings underscore the broader security concerns associated with increased traffic volumes and the need for coordinated efforts among multiple agencies to address both traffic management and criminal activities.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Cundinamarca, similar measures were taken to manage the influx of vehicles entering Bogotá during the same holiday period. The Secretariat of Mobility in Cundinamarca and the District Secretariat of Mobility collaborated with the Traffic Police and other emergency response organizations to facilitate smoother traffic conditions. Projections estimated that nearly 169,116 vehicles would pass through the South Highway to enter Bogotá, while approximately 134,906 vehicles would use the La Mesa Road. Measures included operational adjustments, traffic management, technological monitoring, and continuous support from agents to ensure safer travel experiences. Special attention was given to implementing traffic regulations in key corridors connecting Bogotá with La Mesa and Girardot, with specific strategies for returning traffic. In Soacha, a reversible lane system was activated between Canoas Avenue and San Marón Avenue from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to increase road capacity during peak hours.

These coordinated efforts reflect the complexity of managing urban mobility during high-traffic periods, requiring not only immediate responses but also long-term planning and infrastructure improvements to accommodate growing demands on transportation networks.