Real del Monte–Huasca highway closed due to structural failures

The Real del Monte–Huasca highway in Hidalgo, Mexico, has been closed indefinitely following significant structural damage. The Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) ordered the closure after recent rains caused a retaining wall to fail, pavement to lift, and a slope to shift between kilometers 18+900 and 19+140.

While authorities attribute the damage to soil saturation, a broken water pipe, and pressure from a disused reservoir, technical reports indicate underlying structural issues. The affected section is built on unstable ground composed of mining waste. The project, which cost over 5.5 billion pesos, has faced scrutiny since February when audits revealed overpayments of more than 381 million pesos to construction firms.

The closure impacts a key tourist corridor and local service providers. Drivers are currently being redirected to the old Pachuca–Tampico road, which is experiencing increased traffic volumes. There is currently no set date for the reopening of the highway as SICT evaluates a comprehensive solution.