Sheinbaum Inaugurates Jala-Puerto Vallarta Highway Final Stretch

President Claudia Sheinbaum has inaugurated the third and final stretch of the Jala-Puerto Vallarta Highway. The stretch, spanning from Bucerias to Puerto Vallarta, involved an investment of MX$2 billion (US$98.68 million), reducing the trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta from 5 hours to just 2.5 hours, and from Tepic to the southern coast of Nayarit and Jalisco from 3.5 hours to only 1.5 hours.

The highway’s completion will enable faster and more efficient travel between key cities and promote economic growth. During the inauguration, Sheinbaum also outlined new priority projects for Nayarit, including the construction of the Amado Nervo Bridge, which will connect Bahia de Banderas with Puerto Vallarta in 2025, as well as plans for the development of artisanal roads in the Wixarika region and a new aqueduct to provide high-quality water to the inhabitants of the Nayarit coast.

The new highway stretch, which spans 33.2km, is part of a 173km total route that connects Bucerias to Puerto Vallarta. The project, which took two years to complete, involved the efforts of over 2,000 workers. In addition to the highway itself, the stretch includes 21 structures, including eight bridges ranging from 6 to 15m in height and up to 300m in length, and 13 vehicular overpasses. A 5km branch road has also been added, providing direct access to the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. This section reduces travel time by 20 minutes, with a toll cost of MX$455 (US$22.18).

Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, Jesús Esteva announced that the Tepic-Compostela highway is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by May 2025, further enhancing regional connectivity.