They're tearing down a bridge to build a train.

Residents of Santa María Caliacac, a community in Teoloyucan, Mexico, protested against the demolition of a pedestrian bridge as part of the construction work for the Mexico-Querétaro train project. The government began tearing down the structure this Friday morning, despite opposition from locals who argued that the bridge was essential for daily life, including access for children going to school and elderly residents. According to the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), the removal was necessary because the federal government had already secured land for the future bridge and was in the process of acquiring it. However, residents claimed they were not adequately informed about the plans and felt the government did not honor previous agreements. The dispute over the bridge has been ongoing, with residents expressing frustration over past broken promises. María de Lourdes Saavedra, a local resident, stated that the government had previously agreed not to remove the bridge until a permanent replacement was in place after the completion of the railway project. She criticized the lack of communication and transparency, noting that authorities arrived unexpectedly with police support, which she described as unnecessary given the situation. Saavedra emphasized that the current bridge serves as a vital link for the community and questioned why the government had not committed to building a new one before proceeding with the demolition. Residents also raised concerns about the safety of a temporary passage installed by officials. Yesenia, another local, pointed out that the provisional structure was unstable and dangerous, particularly due to its narrow steps and movement. Community members conveyed these worries directly to representatives from the SICT, the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, and the Agency for Integrated Public Transit and Trains (Attrapi). Officials acknowledged the risks and mentioned plans to install protective barriers to reduce the likelihood of accidents while the temporary bridge is in use. According to the municipal president, Luis Domingo Zenteno Santaella, the decision to proceed with the demolition was made possible once the required land for the new bridge was secured. He noted that some individuals not living in the area have taken an active role in the issue, potentially complicating matters further. Additionally, he highlighted the government’s commitment to eventually replacing the demolished bridge at El Polvorín, although progress on this front has been delayed due to the need for authorization from companies operating freight trains in the region. The controversy surrounding the bridge highlights broader tensions between local communities and federal authorities working on large infrastructure projects. While the government insists that the removal is necessary for the advancement of the Mexico-Querétaro train line, residents continue to demand assurances regarding the construction of a safe and permanent alternative. The situation underscores the challenges faced in balancing development goals with the immediate needs and concerns of affected populations.