Recently, a Cuban couple shared several videos on Instagram (losaventurerosgarcia) highlighting the severe disrepair of the Central Highway, one of Cuba's most iconic and heavily trafficked roads. The footage and accompanying commentary paint a grim picture: deep potholes, nearly impassable sections, visible neglect, and the constant danger faced by those who must travel this route.
"Adventurers! Look at this. It feels like we're trekking through the world's largest wilderness on the worst road imaginable," one of the motorcycle riders remarks while filming the road conditions, seemingly between Santa Clara and Cabaiguán in Sancti Spíritus. The journey on the motorcycle appears laborious, as they navigate around massive craters. "That little car ahead of us didn't even know where to go," they add, highlighting the uncertainty and risk posed with every mile.
Throughout the video, the travelers describe how this once vital road has been virtually forgotten, overshadowed by the more commonly used National Highway, which is also deteriorating. "The highway is used more often, but it's in bad shape too. This one has gotten even worse," they explain.
The Forgotten Legacy of a Once-Proud Road
One of the most telling moments in their testimony is when they point out the old kilometer markers installed by the workers who built the Central Highway. "These markers have the exact distances, but the problem is they're no longer visible. You can't see them anymore, my friend," they lament, underscoring the neglect of both the infrastructure and its basic signage.
The narrative blends irony, indignation, and resignation, while also revealing the exhaustion of living in a country where roads, like other public services, are on the brink of collapse. "Between the blackouts and the road holes, this is a complete mess," one traveler concludes.
A Glimpse into Cuba's Fading Infrastructure
Though not an explicit denunciation, the video is part of a series of posts made as a hobby by the creators, who enjoy exploring roads, recording their travels, and showcasing for Cubans abroad, areas of the country that may hold sentimental value. However, the highway's deterioration, evident in every frame, speaks volumes on its own.
Inaugurated in the 1930s and considered the crowning civil engineering achievement of Gerardo Machado's presidency, the Central Highway was for decades the most important thoroughfare in the country, linking the west and east. Its starting point is located at the Capitolio's Diamond.
Today, accounts like this reflect the accumulated decay of national infrastructure, lacking proper maintenance and state response, directly impacting road safety and the daily lives of thousands of Cubans.
Cuba's Road Infrastructure Challenges
Why is the Central Highway in Cuba in such poor condition?
The Central Highway suffers from significant neglect and lack of maintenance, which has resulted in severe deterioration over the years, affecting its safety and usability.
What are the dangers of traveling on the Central Highway?
Deep potholes, nearly impassable sections, and the absence of visible road signage pose significant risks to travelers, making the route hazardous.
How does the Central Highway's condition affect Cubans?
The deteriorating state of the highway impacts the daily lives of Cubans by compromising road safety and making travel more difficult and dangerous.