Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico – President Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced the upcoming inauguration of the Tepic-Compostela highway section and the Puerto Vallarta bypass, scheduled before the end of his term. This announcement was made during a meeting in Nayarit, where López Obrador reviewed key infrastructure projects in the region.
Accompanied by representatives from Mota-Engil Latin America, the president explained that these road projects are part of an agreement with the construction company. The inauguration ceremony is planned for September 29-30, during which López Obrador will also visit the Islas Marías tourist complex.
Jorge Nuño Lara, Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), elaborated on the significance of these developments, noting that they will complete the Guadalajara-Vallarta highway system. This system includes three highways: Tepic-Compostela, Compostela-Las Varas, and Las Varas-Puerto Vallarta. With a total length of 212 kilometers, 151 kilometers of the system are already operational, and the completion of the remaining sections will significantly reduce travel time between Tepic and Vallarta from five hours to just 90 minutes.
In addition to the highway projects, the SICT is modernizing Tepic International Airport with an investment of 4.132 billion pesos. The upgrade aims to enhance connectivity for both national and international destinations, with a projected capacity of four million passengers per year. Despite these improvements, the Mexican State will retain management of the airport, with discussions underway to involve 19 airlines.
Meanwhile, the Mexican Navy (Semar) is developing the Boca de Chila Naval Base, which will serve as a gateway to the Islas Marías tourist complex. This facility includes a hostel, swimming pool, and restaurant, and since its opening in 2022, has focused on offering low-impact environmental activities and cultural experiences. The complex has already welcomed 8,000 tourists and will soon be accessible via a direct flight from Tepic to Puerto Balleto.
In a related development, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the president-elect, committed to continuing infrastructure and welfare projects in Nayarit. Her plans include the construction of the Las Varas-San Blas highway, the Tepic railway bypass, the Federación bridge, and the Nayarit port.
These infrastructure developments in Nayarit, from highways to airport upgrades and naval projects, are set to significantly enhance regional connectivity and tourism. As President López Obrador’s term nears its conclusion, these projects symbolize his administration’s commitment to improving transportation networks and boosting economic growth in the area, with a clear path forward laid out by incoming leadership.