Work underway on key Nicaragua road link

Work is now underway on the Empalme Nejapa-Empalme Puerto Sandino highway in Nicaragua. The project is costing some US$40 million and the road forms part of the route connecting capital Managua with the country’s second largest city, Leon. Survey work is determining whether the road requires additional structural improvements and also to see if the budget is sufficient to widen the section to four lanes. The section of road will be constructed from concrete with a thickness of 180mm and it is expected to last for 40 years. This road was originally built of brick, as were many major routes in the country, a construction method that was durable but limited vehicle speeds. Work to the highway was to have been carried out previously but came to a halt in 2008 after allegations of election fraud came to light. The work will reduce journey times between Leon and Managua by 45 minutes and will help international trade as the route carries heavy truck traffic from Nicaragua to its neighbours. The project is being paid for by loans, which should be paid for within a 25 year period.