To address increasing traffic congestion, the Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco state governments have announced a series of major infrastructure improvements on two of the city’s busiest roads: Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue and Mexico Avenue.
A centerpiece of this initiative is the construction of a new overpass at the Las Juntas intersection, a well-known traffic bottleneck for locals and tourists alike. Funded by the State of Jalisco with a budget of 373 million pesos, the overpass will add a second elevated level to streamline travel between Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, enhancing connectivity with neighboring Nayarit.
The Las Juntas intersection will also be completely redesigned. Plans include replacing the current traffic light and crosswalk with a pedestrian bridge, improving traffic flow. Additional upgrades will include enhanced shoulders and return lanes to reduce delays.
Other key elements of the traffic improvement plan include:
- Reconstruction of Francisco Murguía Street: This upgrade will improve connections to State Highway 544 and provide better access to the Las Palmas area.
- Widening Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue: Expanding the road to four lanes between Ixtapa and Palma Real Street to accommodate heavier traffic volumes.
- Overpass at the motorway junction: A new overpass will allow smoother lane changes and better access to the airport.
- Construction of the Amado Nervo (Federación) Bridge: This new bridge will offer an alternative route between Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, with funding shared between the federal, state, and municipal governments.
Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro highlighted that these projects address the concerns of local residents and aim to support the city’s expanding tourism sector. The comprehensive improvements are expected to alleviate traffic, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors in Puerto Vallarta.
