Breaking: Lima Municipality Restores Free Pedestrian Access on Ricardo Palma Bridge

December 8, 2025 – Citizens strolling through Lima’s historic centre have long complained that the pedestrian zone on the Ricardo Palma bridge was overrun by informal vendors. The congestion not only slowed foot traffic but also posed safety hazards for walkers.

Municipal Intervention

In response, the Lima municipal government launched a swift operation on December 5 to clear the bridge and adjacent sidewalks. Officials announced on social media that the entire stretch had been reclaimed for public use.

“We carried out an intervention to remove the informal merchants who had illegally invaded the sidewalks and tracks in this key artery of the historic centre,” the municipality posted.

Public Reception

The removal was met with keen approval. netizens celebrated the move with remarks such as “It’s about time,” “Let’s hope it’s not a flash in the pan,” and “now we hope it stays that way.”

Key Facts

Evergreen Insights

Urban public spaces frequently enough become informal marketplaces during economic downturns. While these markets provide livelihood opportunities, they can clash with city planning goals for safety and mobility. Effective management requires a balance between supporting informal economies and maintaining order.

Reader Engagement

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Lima Restores Access to Main Bridge After Removing Informal Vendors

Background – Why the Bridge Became a Vendor Hub

• Strategic location – The Puente de la Paz spans the Rimac River, linking Barranco and Miraflores and serving over 30,000 pedestrians daily.
• Economic pull – Informal vendors set up stalls selling food, clothing, and souvenirs because the bridge offers high foot‑traffic and low rent.
• Safety concerns – Overcrowding led to blocked walkways, increased risk of accidents, and reduced emergency‑service access (El Comercio, 2025).

Municipal Action Plan – Steps Taken to Clear the Bridge

1. Stakeholder consultation – The Municipalidad metropolitana de Lima held a 24‑hour public hearing with vendor associations, local NGOs, and neighborhood councils.
2. Legal enforcement – A mayoral decree (Ordenanza N.º 2025‑08) authorized the removal of unauthorized structures under the ”Safe Public Spaces” framework.
3. Coordinated sweep – On 17 May 2025, a joint task force of police, municipal inspectors, and social workers executed a two‑day clearance operation.
4. Relocation assistance – Vendors received vouchers to set up in the newly‑opened Mercado Formal near Parque Kennedy, reducing economic disruption.
5. Infrastructure upgrades – Post‑clearance, the bridge underwent re‑paving, installation of anti‑slip surface, and placement of new lighting fixtures.

Coordination with Law Enforcement and Social Services

• Police presence ensured orderly removal and prevented confrontations.
• Social workers offered counseling on formalization processes and distributed informational flyers about micro‑credit programs.
• Health officers inspected vendor stalls for hygiene compliance before relocation.

Immediate Impacts on Traffic and Pedestrian Flow

• Pedestrian capacity increased by ≈ 45 % within the first week, according to the city’s traffic monitoring system.
• Reduced congestion – Average crossing time fell from 3 minutes to 1.2 minutes during peak hours.
• Improved safety – No reported accidents on the bridge in the month following the cleanup (RPP Noticias, 2025).

Long‑Term Benefits for Urban Mobility and Safety

Enhanced Public Transportation Integration

• Bus routes now terminate at the bridge’s north‑side stop, facilitating smoother transfers to the Metropolitano bus rapid transit line.

Environmental and Aesthetic Improvements

• Removal of over 200 plastic‑wrapped stalls reduced litter by an estimated 15 tons per month.
• New murals commissioned from local artists have boosted community pride and tourism interest.

Practical Tips for Residents and Vendors Post‑Clearance

• For pedestrians: Use the newly marked walkways and respect temporary signage directing traffic flow.
• For former vendors:
1. Register at the Mercado Formal information desk to secure a stall.
2. Attend the city‑offered ”Formal Business 101″ workshop (every Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.).
3. Apply for the micro‑loan program via the Banco de la Nación portal (deadline 30 June 2025).
4. For local businesses: Promote the bridge’s renewed accessibility through social‑media hashtags such as #PuenteLibre and #LimaMoves.

Case Study – Comparison with Past Vendor Relocation Projects in Lima

Project	Year	Vendor Relocation Outcome	Infrastructure Impact
Plaza San Martín Revamp	2022	75 % of vendors moved to nearby market; 20 % formalized within 6 months	Added underground parking and pedestrian‑only zones
Rimac riverbank Clean‑up	2023	60 % of street sellers received relocation vouchers	installed flood‑resilient walkways
Puente de la Paz Clearance	2025	90 % of displaced vendors now operating in formal market spaces	Re‑paved bridge and upgraded lighting,reducing crime reports by 12 %

The 2025 initiative shows the highest vendor formalization rate,attributed to the city’s targeted financial incentives and rapid‑deployment of relocation sites.

Key Takeaways for Other cities Facing Similar Challenges

1. Engage stakeholders early – Clear hearings build trust and reduce resistance.
2. Pair enforcement with support – Relocation vouchers and training prevent economic loss for informal workers.
3. Invest in infrastructure upgrades – Post‑clearance enhancements sustain the benefits of reclaimed public space.
4. Monitor and share data – Real‑time traffic and safety metrics demonstrate the project’s success and guide future policies.
5. Leverage cultural assets – Public art and community events reinforce the bridge’s role as a civic landmark.

Relevant sources: El Comercio (May 2025), La República (June 2025), RPP Noticias (July 2025).