
A US$51,370,000 loan from El Salvador’s Ministry of Finance to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will finance new works on the Gerardo Barrios Bypass in San Miguel, following the incorporation of remaining funds approved by El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly.
The financing, originally earmarked for the “Construction of a Bypass in the City of San Miguel” project, was partially disbursed by El Salvador’s Ministerio de Obras Públicas y de Transporte de El Salvador (MOPT). At the close of fiscal year 2025, US$50,241,570 of the total loan had been used, leaving a remaining US$1,128,430 available for further projects.
With 57 votes, the deputies approved reforming the current Budget Law to incorporate these additional funds, which will be allocated to complementary works on the section connecting the Hato Nuevo and El Papalón cantons in San Miguel.

Among the planned interventions are the construction of drainage systems and the installation of protective netting on slopes, with the aim of improving the safety and durability of the road infrastructure.
The loan from JICA was approved by the Legislative Assembly on september 6, 2022, and has enabled the execution of one of the most important road projects in eastern El Salvador. The Gerardo Barrios bypass includes 21 kilometers of highway, 42 kilometers of bike path, four bridges located at strategic points such as the Grande River, Taisihuat, Jalacatal, and El Papalón, as well as two interchanges in Quelepa and on the military route.

In addition, the project includes seven overpasses, four roundabouts, and 12 bus stations, contributing to improved connectivity, reduced travel times, and a boost to economic activity in the area.
The use of the remaining loan funds will allow for the completion of key works for the comprehensive operation of this road, consolidating an infrastructure that aims to strengthen regional development and optimize mobility in eastern El Salvador.
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