Message to U.S. Citizens–Road Conditions in Guatemala (September 20, 2022)
Location: Throughout Guatemala
Event: The U.S. Embassy has received reports of the condition of certain roads throughout Guatemala due to ongoing construction, and recent heavy rainfall. The information is as follows:
CA-9 North
- Km. 246.5, near the La Ruidosa intersection, Morales, Izabal – sinkhole repair work
- Km 204 to 291, from Aldea Quiriguá, Los Amates to the intersection of Puerto Barrios and Puerto Santo Tomás de Castilla – paving work.
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CA-13
- Km 527, on the route below Venado towards Melchor de Mencos – paving work.
- Km 314, on the Chocón Bridge on the highway to Peten – section in poor condition (both lanes damaged). Detour towards the Bailey Bridge at Km 314.
- Km 255, Aldea Nueva Esperanza – section under construction, one lane open.
- Km 275. over the Río Dulce Bridge on the highway to Petén, Río Dulce, Livingston – bridge paving work, one lane open.
- Km 285.5, on the highway to Petén – section in poor condition, sinkhole.
- Km 408 to Km 412 – restrictions to prevent vehicle skidding.
- Km 513, Aldea Las Viñas – unmarked bumps in the road.
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CA-14
- Km. 129 and 131 – small sinkhole.
RN-5
- Km. 260 from Pajal to Lanquín, Alta Verapaz – repaving of the highway, road opens every hour.
AC-2 West
- Km. 113, Cocales, Patulul, Suchitepéquez – pothole work, single lane, alternating traffic every 25 minutes.
- Km. 62 to 66 towards Escuintla towards the Pedro de Alvarado border – road widening work, single lane, alternating traffic every 20 minutes.
- Km. 73, Escuintla – road and bridge repair work, reduced from 4 to 2 lanes.
CA-1 East
- Km. 105 to 110, Quezada, Jutiapa – paving work.
- Km. 110, route to El Salvador – road work.
- Km 113.5 – paving work.
CA-1 West
- Km. 40 to 45, in the direction of Chimaltenango to Guatemala City – paving work.
- Km. 90 to 126 – road in poor condition.
- Km. 188, San Cristóbal, Totonicapán – construction of overpass.
RN-11
- Between Godinez and San Lucas Tolimán, Sololá – road construction
RN-19
- Km 88, Sanarate towards Jalapa – section under repair.
RD-PET-2
- Km.515 – paving work.
RD-PET-3
- Km.40 – unmarked bumps in the road.
7E
- Road to El Estor – under repair.
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If you need emergency assistance, Guatemala has a dedicated tourism assistance program (called PROATUR) whose sole mission is to assist and protect foreign tourists in Guatemala. Their emergency assistance call center – staffed with Spanish and English speakers – may be contacted 24/7 by calling 1500 or +502-2290-2800.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local media as well as the websites of CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres), INSIVUMEH (Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología), and PROVIAL (La Dirección General de Protección y Seguridad Vial) for updated weather, road, and hazard information.
- Avoid traveling while heavy rains occur as roads can quickly become extremely unsafe.
- Cautiously use navigation applications that provide directions as certain detours or alternate routes from main roads and highways can lead to unsafe areas or roads affected by flooding or landslides.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit (ready.gov).
- Notify friends and family of upcoming travel plans and let them know you are safe.
- Have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
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Monitor local media as well as the websites of CONRED (Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres), INSIVUMEH (Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología), and PROVIAL (La Dirección General de Protección y Seguridad Vial) for updated weather, road, and hazard information.
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Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala
Website: https://gt.usembassy.gov/
Phone: (502) 2326-4000
Email: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page
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