Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — An electrical project to replace overhead wires with an underground system has begun along Rueda Medina Avenue. Isla Mujeres Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde provided an update to the project Thursday.
Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) personnel began with the removal of overhead poles along Rueda Medina Avenue Thursday night. The work is being done at night so as to not affect traffic or tourist activity.
Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde says this key transformation is part of the comprehensive electrical grid modernization program promoted by the municipal government.
The overhead wire transformation project to an underground system has been possible thanks to the coordinated work with the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the Mexican Navy, “institutions that support each technical and operational stage to ensure that the process is safe, efficient, and meets quality standards,” she reported.
Atenea Gómez said that migrating to an electrical system that is completely underground represents a profound change in how Isla Mujeres prepares for natural disasters.
“An underground system is more stable, safer and drastically reduces the failures that for years affected island families during hurricane season,” she explained.
She also says removing the overhead power lines will allow for the restoration of the urban landscape, one of the most traveled and photographed on the island. The removal of the overhead lines and their poles will eliminate visual pollution.
The mayor explained that work will continue into Friday and that the main avenue will be closed to traffic while CFE continue with the project using cranes.
Atenea Gómez Ricalde says a total of 51 utility poles are slated for removal along the avenue and require heavy machinery for their removal. Once this phase of the project is complete, the entire avenue will be repaved.
Atenea Gómez says next year, Rueda Medina Avenue will be repaved from the Fisherman’s Monument to the Chedraui pedestrian crossing.
The mayor of Isla Mujeres reiterated that each section being addressed is the result of responsible planning aimed at improving mobility, strengthening security and consolidating an organized and competitive destination.
“We are building a safer, more modern and more resilient Isla Mujeres where families can live better and our destination continues to shine before the world,” she said Thursday night.
