Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The long-awaited Las Juntas Interchange is now operational, bringing a wave of relief and improved mobility to residents and visitors of Puerto Vallarta. Traffic began moving smoothly at 11:00 pm on September 30th at the key intersection, a major step forward for the region’s transportation network.
This pivotal moment at the north exit of Puerto Vallarta – where Federal Highway 200 meets State Highway 544 – marks a fulfillment of a promise made by Governor Pablo Lemus and Mayor Luis Munguía. They had committed to opening the overpass by the end of September, a deadline successfully met just seven months after construction began.
The opening was supervised by the Highway Patrol, supported by the Puerto Vallarta Civil Protection and Fire Department, who verified the conditions of the overpass and provided logistical support to traffic officers.
Mayor Munguía expressed his enthusiasm, noting the immediate impact: “The Las Juntas Overpass was opened today for improved traffic flow. Additional work will continue, leading to the official inauguration. Thank you, Governor, for your vision of development and your love for Puerto Vallarta.”
The immediate benefit of the new overpass is the expected end to the notorious traffic congestion that has plagued the Las Juntas area for years. This intersection was one of the most problematic in the region, and its modernization is a key step toward improving mobility for everyone traveling between Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Bahía de Banderas Nayarit.
On October 1st, Governor Lemus shared his satisfaction on social media, emphasizing the speed of the construction: “Last night, we made the decision to open the Las Juntas interchange to streamline traffic in the area. It took us only seven months to build this elevated interchange in such a difficult area for traffic in Puerto Vallarta.”
This essential infrastructure, known as the Las Juntas Highway Node, is a strategic project of the 2025-2026 Road Connection Infrastructure Plan. It serves a crucial transportation corridor, as approximately 35,000 cars travel daily between Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, with further connections to destinations like Mascota and Talpa.
While traffic is already flowing freely on the overpass, authorities confirm that construction is not yet complete. The official inauguration, attended by state and municipal leaders, will follow in the coming weeks.
The next stage of work will bring even more enhancements, including the completion of side lanes, sidewalks, storm drains, new traffic lights, and a new pedestrian bridge. Furthermore, the connecting loops from the Bucerías bypass to the Puerto Vallarta Airport and back are expected to be finished within a couple of months.
This project is backed by an initial investment of 374 million pesos and is part of a comprehensive infrastructure plan totaling over 2.2 billion pesos.
In addition to road improvements, Governor Lemus announced plans to significantly modernize public transportation. He detailed an electric mobility project for Puerto Vallarta’s largest avenue, Medina Ascencio, promising a first-rate transportation system that includes air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
“Vallarta deserves this and much more!” he stated, demonstrating a clear commitment to the city’s continued growth and modernization.
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