Blockage in Cali after death of an elderly woman: this would be the affected route

A roadblock in Cali, Colombia, has disrupted traffic between the city and the municipality of Candelaria following the death of an elderly woman who was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the highway. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, around 6:00 to 6:30 a.m., reigniting community demands for improved infrastructure, lighting, and safety measures along this stretch of road in the Valle del Cauca region. Residents of the La Nubia neighborhood have taken to blocking the road to demand changes they say have been long overdue. They argue that frequent accidents on the double-lane highway connecting Cali with Candelaria highlight the urgent need for pedestrian bridges, better street lighting, and clearer signage. The road is part of a concession managed by Rutas del Valle, which locals hold responsible for addressing these concerns. The disruption has significantly impacted mobility. Authorities confirmed that vehicles can pass intermittently in the direction of Candelaria to Cali, but the opposite lane, Cali to Candelaria, is completely blocked. This has led to congestion and forced drivers to seek alternative routes, adding time to their commutes. Eberto Riveros, Candelaria’s secretary of Security and Coexistence, stated that local authorities have already reached out to the concession company to organize a meeting with protesters. The goal is to find a solution that addresses community concerns while restoring full traffic flow. Officials urged residents to plan for longer travel times and consider alternate routes until the situation is resolved. The death of the elderly woman has intensified calls for action. Community members expressed hope that her passing would finally prompt the implementation of measures they claim have been requested for years. Until now, there has been no official estimate for when the blockage might end. Authorities continue negotiations with demonstrators while investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. The affected road serves as a critical link between Cali and eastern parts of the Valle del Cauca department. Its closure has created logistical challenges for both residents and businesses reliant on the route. Local officials remain engaged in talks with the protesters, emphasizing the importance of finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. The incident underscores ongoing tensions over public infrastructure and safety in the region. While the immediate focus is on resolving the current blockage, the broader issue of road conditions and accident prevention continues to weigh heavily on the community.