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dleach

Aug 31, 2010, 5:06 PM

Post #1 of 13 (4202 views)

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Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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I typically go north through San Luis Potosi - Saltillo - new Monterrey ByPass cuota - cuota toward Nuevo Laredo - then to Columbia Solidarity. Bu I have heard different stories about the road conditions due to the hurricane, especially between Saltillo to the border.

Can someone give me an update?

I am also considering go via San Luis Potosi - Ciudad Victoria then on to Reynosa. I f youknow about this route re: road conditions, I would appreciate it.

Thanks

David

Altahabana

Sep 1, 2010, 4:18 AM

Post #2 of 13 (4168 views)

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Re: [dleach] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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Highway 85/Autopista from Monterrey to Nuevo Laredo reopened more than a month ago. The route from Saltillo to Piedras Negras is now open again after they made repairs to the bridge in Sabinas on Highway 57. I don't remember there being any problems since the flooding on the Autopista from Monterrey to Reynosa.

robt65

Sep 5, 2010, 9:44 AM

Post #3 of 13 (4013 views)

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Re: [dleach] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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Hi All;

I have just returned from a total of three different road trips in the Tahoe, both with a two axle cargo trailer and without it, from Matamoros / Brownsville to Altamira via Soto la Marina and Aldama then to San Juan del Rio, Queretaro; also from San Juan del Rio to SLP, Tula and then on to (not my favorite) C. D. Victoria and Matamoros via MEX 101. I also traveled twice between Altamira and San Juan del Rio (twice each way) all in the past thirty days. MEX 101 only had a short (maybe 1/2 mile of one lane due to a new bridge being installed about twenty miles south of the New Mexican Aduana and Immigration Inspection Station, South of Matamoros on MX 101.

I was much more aware of the significant increase in both number of checkpoints both Military and federal police (and the number of personnel) on all these routes. Usually between Matamoros there were two and at the most three. these days there are anywhere from seven to nine checkpoints. Clearly most number of check points I saw, were in or near San Fernando, C. D. Mante, C. D. Victoria, and SLP. They are also using a different type of portable "tope" now. It is the same line used to tie up ships to piers while in port. Be careful when crossing. They are deceiving; they give a heck of a bump for what appears to be a little piece of line. It also appears to be soaked in some kind of petroleum.

I used to have only one rear Kentucky plate on my car. I was always being observed closely and many times pulled over because of no front plate, I am sure. This time I bought a U.S. Navy I.D. plate with the insignia. I was surprised how much of a difference this really does make. Especially at the military check points where they were manned by both Mexican Marines and Naval Forces. Wearing my Viet Nam Vet ball cap coupled with the plate I am sure made my stops a lot easier. They all respected my military experience and time. I always said "I appreciated their military service to Mexico and me". They were always without exception very respectful and still did their duty. Not one time was I harassed or bothered. I have gained a new appreciation to all these Mexican military folks. Having a cold Coke or Pepsi on hand really helps also. They were very thankful for the offer.

Even though their inspections were cursory, at least they were much more professional than in the past, I noted. Even if it would take more time, I do wish they were more thorough though. I came back this last time with two different types of narcotic meds from the VA in my belongings and was never asked one question about them or any other of my many other meds.

All the highways I took were in excellent condition, with a lot of new construction going on between San Luis Potosi and Querétaro. Most time I did not take the Cuota's. Going South after coming into Queretaro using the Cuota and Queretaro City by-pass saves about 45 minutes time and is well worth the pesos to use, as one avoids all the Guanajuato and Queretaro city traffic, not to mention saving about 45 minutes in driving time.

The new highway (some of it Cuota) between Tula and C. D. Victoria is a real dream. Many places have been provided with places to get off and rest a minute or two. The surface is all new and really saves a lot of time. I made it in Eleven hours from Matamoros to San Juan del Rio last night. The trip could have been have been maybe 30 to 45 minutes faster except for some rain on MX 101 between C. D. Victoria and San Luis Potosí. I also had a new Lab for my other dog to play with on this last leg home to San Juan del Rio. Had to stop and let her use the banjo a few times.

Again, I crossed the border without any question about the new dog, except for looking at it and asking what kind it was. Never asked to see any papers of any kind. For some reason I have a personal hunch they are not so happy about some certain breeds coming into Mexico or maybe (just maybe – again a personal observation) that maybe some breeds such as the more aggressive known breeds such as Rotty’s, Dobies, etc., maybe raise a few red flags for them. Again, just a personal observation.

Much tougher questions asked going into and out of the USA this time.

Prices on the international bridges have all gone up by .50 cents (US) and the Cuota’s have also raised their prices a little. It is also no longer 15% duty at the Mex Aduana. It is now (on most things) 16% and (for example baby clothing, foods and related goods for a baby such as diapers more than that.

So that's my most up to date report. I still would not drive anywhere in the border states (especially Tamaulipas) at night. I felt very comfortable driving at night on the highways around SLP, GTO and QRO. I arrived home in San Juan del Rio at about 10:30 last night.

Peter, I have some tea to get to you and Rolly, I still have a huge jar of Vlassic Whole Dills to get to you. I am sure those dills only get better in time! (Smiling)

Robt65

dleach

Sep 5, 2010, 10:09 AM

Post #4 of 13 (4001 views)

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Re: [robt65] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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I just completed the trip from Lakeside to San Luis Postosi - Saltillo - Monterrey - Columbia Solidarity Bridge. The stories of the roads being in bad shape in the vicinity of Monterrey are no longer appllicable. Generally, I believe the road conditions are a little better than my last trip in June....except the 1 hour stretch between Lagos De Morenos toward SLP. However, at least there is work going on along that stretch.

David

Reefhound

Sep 5, 2010, 10:37 AM

Post #5 of 13 (3997 views)

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Re: [robt65] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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Thanks for the report. What route did you use between Altamira/Tampico and San Juan?

Do you offer the refrescos before, during, or after any inspection? I've never offered such because I don't want to appear like I'm trying to distract them or bribe them beforehand and my policy is when I hear pasale I'm gone like the wind. I'd love to help out those young men but without potentially causing problems.

Did they ever finish the Pemex on 80 about halfway between 101 and 85?

robt65

Sep 5, 2010, 3:21 PM

Post #6 of 13 (3962 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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The route I use from Altamira / Tampico to San Juan del Rio is leaving Altamira via Hwy 70 all the way to SLP and then 57 to San Juan del Rio. There is a Cuota from 57 that skirts around GTO and QRO and saves about 30 to 45 minutes in time reaching San Juan del Rio. I lie using that. the cost is 48 MX Pesos. You sure don/'t have to fight traffic at all around or through those cities.

I offer them a Coke or Pepsi when I am in the middle of the inspection or questions. I simply tell them I understand their work is difficult and I respect their service to Mexico and me. If they look hot and tired, I offer them one. If there is maybe only six or eight guys, I offer the Commandante one and ask his permission for the rest to have one also. What problem can arise from a decent gesture? Maybe if one has something to hide . . . . sure, but I have nothing to hide. They are usually very happy, that I tell them about the dog in the back first! (Smiling) I don't do that all the time. All depends on the circumstances. Just a common courtesy, that's all.

There are several unfinished Pemex Stations along that route (180 or 81 or 83 at that point, I think you are speaking about) you are speaking about between Los Reyones (near Santander) and Soto la Marina, Aldama and Altamira. They never have finished either that portion of the highway (that runs along the National Power Grid Lines) or the highway numbers, so your guess is as good as mine as to the number identification of that 2 lane highway.

Robt65

(This post was edited by robt65 on Sep 5, 2010, 3:22 PM)

Reefhound

Sep 5, 2010, 4:25 PM

Post #7 of 13 (3955 views)

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Re: [robt65] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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I was contemplating a side trip to Tampico for diving next year and the only decent way I saw was Mx70 from SLP to Tampico but I wasn't sure if there were shorter ways that make more of a diagonal than a big right triangle. There are some roads on the map but they look extremely curvy and mountainous.

For the Pemex, I was talking about Mx80, the 45km segment that runs from Mx57 to Mx101 (that runs by Tula to Cd Victoria). At least, that's the numbers in my Guia Roji. I drove that way back last year and that segment was desolate with no facilities.

I don't have anything to hide from the checkpoints but the Mexicans I know personally tend not to be very friendly with officials, making small talk and nice gestures and such. Just take care of business and go. I have tended to emulate that, not being sure if soldiers might not be used to such "friendliness" and be suspicious of it.

robt65

Sep 6, 2010, 5:27 AM

Post #8 of 13 (3924 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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Hi Reefhound,

I should have re-phrased that . . . . . I should have not used "unless you have something to hide . . ." I should have said unless someone has something to hide. Sorry about that. nothing personal intended. Since I am not Mexican, I do tend to be a little, or maybe a lot, more friendly towards those working the checkpoints. So far that has bode well for my treatment at them . . . . I will probably continue to do so, until I experience a different reception.

I have taken the highway from San Luis Potosi to Tula and then to C.D. Victoria three different times now. It appears that the new portion is now open (for how long it has been open I don't know) and it is really a good road. There are several facilities including Pemex stations. If you need a break at Tula, there are two or three hotels that appear clean and economical. Further along closer to C. D. Victoria there is the pueblo of Jaumave, that also has a nice clean looking hotel right on the highway. Plenty of places to eat along the way and a really good highway to take. I will be using it in the future, without any concerns. There are about 10 miles of especially curvy places, but the new highway is in excellent condition and plenty wide enough as there are two lanes going each direction, for passing at the curvy sections.

I also use the Guia Rojo and I also was a little skeptical and decided to goggle Tula looking for a hotel just in case I wasn't able to make it to C. D. Victoria before dark. As it turned out, I left San Juan del Rio at about 9:30 in the morning and arrived in C.D. Victoria at about 7:30 that same night. I was not driving really fast but at a decent speed. I personally do not like C. D. Victoria for several reasons. It is high priced when it comes to hotels and there is too much Narco activity there.

It was a fast 3.5 hour drive from there to Matamoros the next morning. Six days later, I made the same trip in the opposite direction in about 10.5 hours. Was really tired when I arrived in San Juan del Rio, but the driving along that whole route was one I would take again. I never do worry about driving past SLP and into the state of Queretaro even at night. I do however now take the Cuota from that highway 57 that loops south of the city of Queretaro and saves about 30 to 45 minutes of high traffic driving through GTO and the city of Queretaro. It is much smoother and moves along at an excellent rate of speed. I like the idea of not having to put up with so much traffic which can be a bit of a bear at certain high peak times of the city folks going home or on the weekend. It is kind of a crazy merge onto the regular highway 57 as you go south so be careful, especially at night, it is not so well lit at the merge point.
You will find a large military (Navel and Marines) checkpoint (both directions) as you approach C. D. Victoria from the west about 15 miles out of the city. They even have places you can stop along the way and pull over to stretch your legs.

There are at least two new Pemex's along the way that were not complete yet, but plenty of other places to gas up without having to worry if you are going to run out of gas or not.

Hope that helps a little.

Robt65

(This post was edited by robt65 on Sep 6, 2010, 5:37 AM)

Altahabana

Sep 6, 2010, 9:01 AM

Post #9 of 13 (3893 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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I don't have anything to hide from the checkpoints but the Mexicans I know personally tend not to be very friendly with officials, making small talk and nice gestures and such. Just take care of business and go. I have tended to emulate that, not being sure if soldiers might not be used to such "friendliness" and be suspicious of it.

Emulate the Mexicans you know, particularly when you enounter a military checkpoint in Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon or Coahuila. Small talk is not part of the drill and while it may not be suspcious coming from a gringo, I don't think it accomplishes much either.

Altahabana

Sep 7, 2010, 5:31 AM

Post #10 of 13 (3825 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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This tragic story--the second in six months in this area--demonstrates how tense the situation can be on the highways at these checkpoints. To me it is all the more reason to just stop and answer whatever questions are asked.

http://lmtonline.com/...4acd7ab265916173.txt

Rolly

Sep 7, 2010, 5:41 AM

Post #11 of 13 (3821 views)

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Re: [Altahabana] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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Borderland Beat is reporting a slightly different version of events that led to the shooting.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Altahabana

Sep 7, 2010, 6:02 AM

Post #12 of 13 (3817 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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In another account I read the family was insisting "there was no retén" which I interpret to mean there was not a physical barrier of some type in the roadway. Sometimes, especially within cities, the soldiers will be parked alongside the roadway with one or two in the center. They may motion to pass or stop or if it is dark shine a laser light at the vehicle. It can be difficult sometimes to interpret what they want a motorist to do.

Ironically, very early this morning I was taking a road that cuts across a residential area to Coloso very near the colonia where the 7/16 balacera took place. The military had some type of operation going on and there was an armored humvee in the middle of the street with several masked soldiers standing by it. I slowed as I approached the vehicle and one of soldiers shined a small blue laser and made motion like to wanted me to go past. To be sure I rolled down the window and nearly stopped and asked if I could pass.

Maybe the military checkpoints are more laid back in other parts of the country, but in the north they are deadly serious. Having nothing to hide is no guarantee of anything, because some travellers do.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Sep 7, 2010, 6:11 AM)

jerezano

Sep 9, 2010, 10:16 AM

Post #13 of 13 (3686 views)

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Re: [Altahabana] Road Conditions After Hurricane - Saltillo to Border

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Hello all,

Getting back to the the theme of this thread which is the Road Conditions after Hurricane-Saltillo to Border, the answer is that there is no problem with road conditions from Saltillo to the Border that can be attributed to the late hurricane.

That is not to say that there MAY be problems right now following landfall of Tropical Storm Hermine? South Texas, and I suppose northeastern Mexico are experiencing flood conditions right now. Received word from Harlingen TX yesterday (Sept 8. 2010) that Harlingen has been without electricity since last Monday and that many of the farm to market roads are flooded although Highways Interstate 83 to Brownsville and to McAllen and Interstate 77 from Brownsville to Harlingen and north along the coast to Corpus Christi are open. I should add that today, Sept 9, power has been restored to Harlingen.

Nevertheless, I have not seen any reports as yet of flooded highways between Saltillo and Reynosa. Perhaps there are problems along the frontier such as the cuota from Reynosa to Matamoros etc, but as yet no reports.

As ever, jerezano.

(This post was edited by jerezano on Sep 9, 2010, 10:20 AM)