Xalisco, Nayarit – In a major boost for western Mexico’s infrastructure, the Tepic–Compostela highway section in Nayarit has officially opened, promising faster and safer travel for thousands of residents. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo presided over the inauguration ceremony last weekend, marking a significant milestone in the national effort to expand and modernize Mexico’s road network.
The new 26-kilometer section, part of the Mexican government’s ambitious plan for national connectivity, was developed and put into operation by the National Bank of Public Works and Services (Banobras). Banobras Director General Jorge Alberto Mendoza Sánchez highlighted the highway’s importance, noting its immediate, positive impact on over 490,000 inhabitants in the municipalities of Tepic, Xalisco, and Compostela. These communities now benefit from a modern, efficient, and secure route for transporting people and goods.
Beyond its immediate benefits for local commuters, the highway is poised to transform tourism and commerce. It will make it easier for people to reach popular coastal destinations in Nayarit, such as the historical town of San Blas, the surfing hotspot of Sayulita, and the luxurious resorts of Punta Mita. The new road will also reduce travel time between Tepic and Puerto Vallarta to just 90 minutes, opening new opportunities for visitors exploring the Pacific coast.
The project was constructed using an innovative approach known as the Construction, Maintenance, Rehabilitation, and Operation (CMRO) model and received a substantial investment of 4.212 billion pesos from the National Infrastructure Fund (FONADIN). This strategic financing underscores a commitment to fostering economic development and ensuring territorial fairness across the country.
This impressive stretch of road includes remarkable engineering achievements designed to streamline travel. It features 10 bridges, 2 interchanges, a tunnel, 12 vehicular underpasses, and various machinery and railway overpasses, all culminating in a toll plaza. The highway is expected to handle an average of 6,400 vehicles daily, and critically, it will cut the travel time between Tepic and Compostela by approximately 35 minutes, effectively halving the current duration.
To facilitate a smooth transition for local communities and businesses, the Tepic–Compostela section will operate as a toll-free road until January 8, 2026.
This newly inaugurated route is a key component of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) Highway Program. It works in conjunction with previously developed sections – like Compostela–Las Varas (opened March 2024), and Jala–Compostela and the Compostela Branch (opened in 2018). Together, these projects solidify a comprehensive highway corridor connecting Nayarit and Jalisco. This entire network improves logistical flow, enhances road safety, and significantly increases access to essential goods and services for the region’s population.
Banobras, one of the largest banks in the Mexican financial system, continues to demonstrate its crucial role in funding and strengthening infrastructure across the nation, aiming to boost regional competitiveness and improve the quality of life for all Mexicans. The inauguration was a unifying event, attended by Governor of Nayarit Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, government representatives, and the hardworking construction companies and workers who brought this vision to reality.
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