Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Following the Federal Government’s announcement in July 2023, the Compostela-Las Varas segment of the new Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta highway is set to open in March 2024, with the entire project expected to be completed by July 2024. This development has sparked curiosity among residents, motorists, and transport companies regarding the future travel duration between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
The Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SICT) has disclosed that the new highway will span 86.5 kilometers, directly benefiting 17 communities across Nayarit and Jalisco. This initiative is anticipated to significantly reduce travel times between the two cities, enhancing tourist, social, and connectivity prospects.
According to the SICT, the highway will play a crucial role in improving connections to Bajío, Guadalajara, Tepic, Las Islas Marías, Bahía de Banderas, and Puerto Vallarta. Notably, the travel time from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta will be reduced from the current 4 hours and 30 minutes to just 2 hours and 30 minutes. Similarly, the journey from Tepic to Puerto Vallarta will decrease from 3 hours and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Aside from reducing travel times, the new Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta highway promises several advantages. The project, which is currently underway, entails a total investment of 10,601 million pesos and will serve 17 communities. The highway’s completion will introduce 45 bridges, 7 interchanges, 3 tunnels, and 3 viaducts, accommodating a daily traffic volume of 6,000 vehicles and offering a time saving of 60 to 80 minutes.
Furthermore, the construction is expected to generate 1,500 direct and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities, significantly benefiting the region’s economic landscape.
This infrastructure enhancement is poised to bolster the tourism capabilities of the Riviera Nayarit, ensuring safer travel for all users and linking two international airports: in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Tepic, Nayarit.
