# Guatemala CA-9 highway infrastructure and transport crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-ca-9-highway-infrastructure-and-transport-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-29T02:14:13.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

On August 22, 2026, a triple collision involving a trailer and two private vehicles caused the total collapse of the Huijó Bridge in Usumatlán, Zacapa, on the CA-9 North highway. The impact and a subsequent fire resulted in at least four fatalities and several injuries. 

The collapse has caused significant logistical challenges and threatens regional trade routes between Guatemala and Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. While the government is working on short-term measures to establish a provisional passage, the disruption is expected to increase transport costs and delay the movement of goods. 

In addition to the bridge failure, transport on the CA-9 Sur highway was also disrupted by protesters near San Vicente Pacaya, who blocked traffic for approximately 10 hours to demand the resignation of the head of the General Directorate of Transport and protest rising fuel prices.

On August 29, 2026, the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (CIV) announced the activation of a provisional passage at kilometer 111 of the CA-9 Norte route. This passage consists of a ford (badén) constructed alongside the damaged bridge. Although the project was initially expected to take 10 days, technical teams completed the work ahead of schedule. 

To manage traffic flow and ensure safety, Provial will deploy permanent brigades to regulate vehicle movement. Following the activation of this ford, the CIV intends to continue work on the construction of a Bailey bridge.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Guatemala restores road access to Zacapa via provisional passage

Guatemala's CIV will open a provisional passage at kilometer 111 of the CA-9 Norte this Saturday to restore connectivity to Zacapa after damage to the Güijo bridge.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-restores-road-access-to-zacapa-via-provisional-passage

### 2026-08-24: Guatemala faces major transport disruptions on CA-9 highways

Guatemala faces transport disruptions due to a 10-hour blockade on the CA-9 Sur over fuel prices and the collapse of the Huijó bridge on the CA-9 Atlantic Route, impacting regional trade logistics.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-faces-major-transport-disruptions-on-ca-9-highways

### 2026-08-23: Guijó Bridge collapses in Guatemala following triple collision

A triple collision and subsequent fire caused the total collapse of the Guijó Bridge in Zacapa, Guatemala, leaving at least four dead and five injured. The CA-9 North highway is currently blocked.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guij-bridge-collapses-in-guatemala-following-triple-collision

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Cite as: Guatemala CA-9 highway infrastructure and transport crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-ca-9-highway-infrastructure-and-transport-crisis