Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Vehicular movement remains limited four days after the catastrophic rockslide at kilometer 12.5 on Federal Highway 200 south of Puerto Vallarta. Sunday afternoon, the Jalisco Regional Civil Protection Unit confirmed that only intermittent circulation of smaller vehicles is possible on the compromised roadway. The Unit has been supervising recovery efforts since the collapse occurred last Thursday.
The rockfall, involving boulders weighing between five and ten tons, led to the complete closure of both lanes on the Puerto Vallarta-Bahía de Banderas highway near Mismaloya, significantly affecting transport and accessibility to the south of this popular tourist destination. The fallen rocks have obstructed a considerable length of approximately 60 meters and have piled up to a height of 20 meters, creating a formidable barrier on the highway.
Since the incident, heavy machinery has been deployed to the site to remove the colossal rock debris. So far, only a provisional single lane has been made accessible, which is opened at intervals to allow the passage of smaller vehicles. Work to clear the obstruction is continuously underway, with multiple agencies collaborating to restore normalcy to this critical stretch of road.
The unrelenting work to clear the stretch indicates the gravity of the situation, considering the strategic importance of the highway for both local commuting and tourist activities. The continued obstruction poses significant challenges for residents, businesses, and visitors alike, underlining the urgency for swift remedial action.
The Jalisco Regional Civil Protection Unit and other involved agencies have not suspended their operations, recognizing the need to reopen the road as promptly as possible. Commuters and residents are advised to seek alternate routes or adjust travel plans as the situation develops.
The complexity of the recovery work necessitates patience from the public as authorities work diligently to restore full access to Federal Highway 200 south. Travelers are advised to stay updated on the situation through official government communications and to exercise caution when approaching the affected area.
