Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - As a measure to improve traffic circulation in Puerto Vallarta, the construction of a second tunnel on Luis Donaldo Colosio Highway (El Libramiento) has been initiated. Mayor Salvador González Resendiz continues to meet with the engineers who are heading up this important municipal project to ensure that things are running smoothly.

Omega Construcciones Industrial engineer Cesar Pineda Ocampo, who is in charge of the project, along with Sr. Ángel Martínez and Lic. Alfonso Villa Gomez, recently visited the Mayor's office to hammer out details on what will be happening over the next 18 months on one side of the "big tunnel," as it is referred to by the locals.

Mayor González Resendiz assured the engineers that they have all the support they'll need from the city of Puerto Vallarta, the Civil Protection Department, Public Works, Public Safety and Public Services, among others, and that these departments will be working in coordination with the builders to avoid bothering drivers and inhabitants of this area, in addition to expediting the work.

During the meeting they said that, unlike the construction of the first tunnel, they will not be using dynamite in the excavations, but a giant drill that will gradually open the space in placing 520 steel frameworks, assuring safer vehicular passage.

Pineda Ocampo explained that this method of excavating is a little more time-consuming, but of a lot less risk for the inhabitants of the area. He added that a study by specialized experts in regard to the structures in the area is being carried out for the sole purpose of eliminating any danger to citizens or properties.

The completion of the construction is forecasted to be in approximately 533 days, at which time the existing tunnel will be structurally reinforced.

The Mayor expressed appreciation for this important work for the city of Puerto Vallarta and gives special thanks to the Federal Government's Communications and Transportation Secretary for funding the nearly $130 million pesos project.