Puente Papa Francisco

Honduras's College of Civil Engineers confirmed that expanded polystyrene (durapax) placed in the Papa Francisco overpass in Tegucigalpa serves as temporary material in expansion joints—not part of the structure—and does not compromise safety, though the bridge remains closed pending full technical clearance.

Tegucigalpa's mayor says the Papa Francisco bridge at the exit to Mateo village will not open until experts confirm it is safe, with an inspection scheduled for this week.

A video circulating on social media shows material flaking from the Pope Francis Bridge in Tegucigalpa, prompting concerns about the structure's durability; Tegucigalpa's mayor says the bridge will remain closed until safety is confirmed.

The incomplete Papa Francisco overpass in Tegucigalpa, left unfinished by the previous administration, has cracked walls revealing deteriorated durapack (expansion-joint material) mixed with concrete, raising durability concerns.