A major inland route from Puerto Vallarta is back in service after months of disruption. Jalisco officials inaugurated the rebuilt La Desembocada bridge over the Mascota River, restoring a connection used by residents, businesses, producers, and travelers heading between the coast and the Sierra Occidental. The opening also marks the closure of a difficult chapter that began after the previous structure was severely damaged in February, forcing detours and temporary access measures while crews rebuilt the crossing.
New bridge opens over the Mascota River
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro inaugurated the new La Desembocada bridge in Puerto Vallarta on Thursday, reopening an important route between the city, nearby rural communities, and the Sierra Occidental region.
The bridge crosses the Mascota River along State Highway 544, a road used by residents and travelers moving between Puerto Vallarta, Las Palmas, San Sebastián del Oeste, Mascota, Talpa de Allende, and Guadalajara.
The project was completed a little more than 2.5 months after work began. The investment was reported at about 73.6 million pesos, according to current state-level coverage of the inauguration.
Puerto Vallarta Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González accompanied state officials at the opening.
Route had been disrupted since February
The previous bridge was demolished after being severely damaged during incidents reported on February 22. Its closure affected one of the main inland connections from Puerto Vallarta toward mountain communities and the Guadalajara route.
During the disruption, residents and drivers used temporary access measures and alternate routes. The closure affected daily travel for people in nearby communities, as well as commercial traffic and visitors heading inland from the coast.
The new structure is expected to restore normal circulation on this section of Carretera Estatal 544 and improve safety for those who use the route regularly.
Technical details of the new structure
The rebuilt bridge measures 105 meters long and has a 12-meter cross-section. Technical details released ahead of the opening describe two main supports that hold 15 columns across three structural spans.
The bridge is designed for vehicular traffic and serves as one of the main connections between Puerto Vallarta and communities beyond the city’s urban core.
For residents in areas such as Las Palmas, La Desembocada, and other nearby communities, the reopening reduces travel complications that followed the February damage. For travelers, it restores a practical inland route toward Mascota, Talpa, and Guadalajara.
