TEPIC, Nayarit — The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) is advancing strategic projects across Nayarit. These aim to enhance regional connectivity, support local economies, and streamline travel for residents and tourists. Marco Antonio Figueroa, general director of the SICT Nayarit Center, said the combined efforts will benefit roughly 3 million people throughout the state.
The Puerto Vallarta Junction, now in its final construction phase, is 80 percent complete. It is designed to link Nayarit with neighboring Jalisco. By adding two connector loops, the project will cut travel times by 30 minutes for more than 60,000 vehicles that traverse the corridor daily. Once operational, it will serve over 450,000 residents and visitors in Bahía de Banderas and Puerto Vallarta. These are two of the Mexican Pacific’s top tourist draws.
“Once finished, the junction will ease traffic bottlenecks and improve safety on this crucial corridor,” Figueroa said. “It will transform daily commutes and support tourism growth in both states.”
The Tepic–Compostela Highway, currently 94 percent complete, serves approximately 800,000 commuters. Scheduled for delivery in October, the upgraded roadway will significantly reduce travel times between Tepic and Puerto Vallarta. It will streamline transit for workers and travelers alike.
“This new highway will redefine mobility for thousands of workers and travelers,” Figueroa noted.
The Amado Nervo Bridge—a toll-free crossing expected to open in November 2026—represents a 900 million-peso investment. It will generate 2,700 jobs and directly serve about 500,000 residents in the Bahía de Banderas–Puerto Vallarta metropolitan area. Key communities set to gain improved access include Bucerías, El Porvenir, San Vicente, Mezcales, El Colomo, San Juan de Abajo and San José del Valle.
At Tepic–Riviera Nayarit Airport, expansion works are 70 percent complete. Enhancements include an extended main runway, a modern control tower, and a new passenger terminal. Additionally, the terminal will have road access, parking for four aircraft bays, plus three walkway bays and one remote bay. Upon completion, the upgraded airport will handle more than 1.2 million passengers annually. This will strengthen Nayarit’s role in international tourism.
In the state’s mountainous zones, the Artisanal Roads Program has successfully paved access roads to 100 percent of the municipal capitals in indigenous communities. This has facilitated service delivery and local commerce.
Looking forward, Secretary Jesús Esteva announced in a joint press conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum. The next flagship initiative will be the Nayarit Coastal Highway. This two-phase route will connect Las Varas to San Blas—first extending to Platanitos, then onward to San Blas. This will further cement Nayarit’s coastal infrastructure network.
With these investments, SICT aims to knit together urban and rural areas. They intend to improve safety and unlock new economic opportunities across Nayarit. “Our goal is to connect communities and unlock the full potential of this region,” Figueroa said.
