The modernization of the Salina Cruz–Zihuatanejo highway is one of the most important road infrastructure projects currently being promoted by the Government of Mexico to strengthen connectivity between Oaxaca and Guerrero.
Construction began in 2025 and is being carried out in stages, with the goal of completing the project within a period of four years.
What is the scope and importance of this project? Here are five aspects that demonstrate its impact for the people of Oaxaca.
Investment
According to data released by the Federal Government, the modernization of this highway represents a total investment of 31.205 billion pesos.
For 2026 alone, an investment of 1.613 billion pesos is planned. These resources will be allocated to the construction work scheduled for this year as part of the next phase of the project.
It Will Benefit More Than 1.9 Million Residents
Once completed, this highway will directly benefit more than 1.9 million people living in the regions crossed by the road, according to the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT).
The new infrastructure will provide safer and more efficient transportation, improve access to basic services, and strengthen economic activities in local communities, especially those dedicated to commerce, agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
It Will Generate Around 93,000 Jobs
Beyond improving mobility, the construction of this highway represents an important source of employment for the region.
The SICT estimates that the project will generate approximately 93,000 jobs, creating employment opportunities for thousands of residents of Oaxaca and Guerrero while boosting the local economy through the hiring of workers and services related to the project.
It Will Have a Length of 446 Kilometers
The highway project includes the modernization of 446 kilometers of roadway.
As part of the work, the road will be expanded to two lanes to provide faster and safer circulation, reduce travel times, and improve connectivity between communities in both states.
It Is Expected to Be Completed in 2029
The project officially began in 2025, and completion is scheduled for December 2029.
During the first stage, carried out in 2025, the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) expanded 26 kilometers of highway and built eight bridges, with a combined length of one kilometer.
For 2026, work continues on the sections Pochutla–Huatulco, Puerto Escondido–San José, Entronque Tangolunda–Tapanalá, and Las Vigas.
This phase includes work on an additional 10 kilometers, of which two kilometers correspond to Guerrero and eight kilometers to Oaxaca.
This project will strengthen road infrastructure in southern Mexico, improve mobility between both states, and create better conditions for economic, commercial, and tourism development in one of the country’s regions with the greatest natural and cultural wealth: the state of Oaxaca.
Source: oaxaca.eluniverssal
