Soledad residents block Calle 30 to protest deteriorating pedestrian bridge

Parents and members of several educational communities in Soledad, Atlántico, have blocked Calle 30 to demand urgent repairs to a deteriorating pedestrian bridge located near the INEM school. The protest has caused significant traffic congestion on a major corridor connecting Barranquilla, Soledad, and the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport.

The bridge has been preventively closed since June 2024 due to structural decay and the theft of metal grates. Community members and school officials, including INEM rector Lorena Martínez, reported that pieces of the structure have recently fallen, posing a direct risk to the more than 10,000 students who traverse the area daily. Protesters are calling for immediate structural solutions as well as temporary safety measures like speed reducers and improved signage.

The Soledad Mayoralty has stated it is coordinating with the Atlántico Governorate and the National Institute of Roads (Invías) to find a solution. The administration has also requested support from the Attorney General's Office and the Ombudsman's Office to facilitate inter-institutional work. While expressing a willingness to hold a working table with the community, the Mayoralty has urged protesters to avoid blocking the roadway, noting that the street is a vital national route.