Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — Beginning at 9 a.m. this Sunday, authorities initiated a series of “controlled explosions” on the Puerto Vallarta-Barra de Navidad federal highway 200, specifically in the stretch between Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán. The decision to perform these controlled demolitions comes in the wake of a landslide that blocked the thoroughfare for over 24 hours, a direct aftermath of Hurricane Lidia, which struck on the 10th of this month.
The city council of Puerto Vallarta has officially stated that the flow of traffic on federal highway 200 will be “interrupted during the maneuvers and its reopening will depend” on various factors. Among them, the volume of rocks displaced and their size, which will determine how they are to be demolished to facilitate single-lane passage. The work will extend throughout the day with the ultimate aim of detonating all unstable rocks present in the terrain, ensuring a safer route for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
The efforts to secure the highway are being coordinated by public works personnel. Their main task is to mitigate the risks associated with the unstable rocks that have posed a continuing hazard since Hurricane Lidia’s passage earlier in the month. On the 10th, a landslide resulted in large rocks collapsing onto the roadway. One such rock crushed a vehicle; however, it was reported that no injuries or fatalities occurred as a result of the incident.
The unstable condition of these rocks has since remained a significant concern, especially considering the high volume of vehicular traffic and tourist presence on this vital highway. The road serves as a major connector between Puerto Vallarta and other coastal municipalities like Cabo Corrientes and Tomatlán, as well as the state of Colima. The controlled explosions are deemed a necessary measure to prevent potential landslides that could lead to further disruptions or, worse, accidents on this crucial stretch of road.
With these controlled explosions, authorities aim to stabilize the rocky terrain and ensure that the Puerto Vallarta-Barra de Navidad highway can safely accommodate both residents and tourists. The city council urges the public to stay informed and follow official guidance concerning detours and road reopenings.
