Salina Cruz–Zihuatanejo Highway Modernization Continues
Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) continues work on the modernization of the Salina Cruz–Zihuatanejo Highway, a project with a total investment of 31.205 billion pesos that is expected to benefit approximately 1.95 million people.
The upgraded highway will connect the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, improving mobility and quality of life for communities including Lázaro Cárdenas, Zihuatanejo, Coyuca, Acapulco, Marquelia, El Cacalote, Puerto Escondido, Juchitán, Pochutla, Huatulco, and Salina Cruz.
Project Progress
Construction began in 2025, and during 2026 an additional 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of highway will be widened to two lanes:
- 2 kilometers in Guerrero
- 8 kilometers in Oaxaca
Work is currently focused on the following sections:
- Pochutla–Huatulco
- Puerto Escondido–San José
- Tangolunda Junction–Tapanalá
- Las Vigas
During 2025, crews completed:
- 27 kilometers of improvements.
- Eight new bridges, including:
- Las Vigas
- Agua Hedionda
- Cópala
- Marquelia I
- Talapilla
- Río Quetzal
- Santa Catarina
- Río Nexpa
Completion Date
The modernization project covers 446 kilometers (277 miles) of highway.
According to the SICT, construction began in April 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2029. The project is expected to generate approximately 93,615 jobs.
The agency stated that the highway will:
- Improve mobility.
- Increase road safety along Mexico’s Pacific coast.
- Support regional economic growth.
- Strengthen tourism.
- Enhance connectivity between Pacific ports.
Traffic Restrictions
Modernization work on the Pochutla–Huatulco section has resulted in temporary restrictions for heavy trucks and freight vehicles through August 31.
Traffic Allowed
- 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Full Closure for Heavy Vehicles
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
To minimize disruptions, authorities have established a detour for light vehicles via Bajos de Coyula – Barrio La Unión – El Crucero Junction, allowing traffic to continue moving through the area while construction is underway.
Source: oaxaca.heraldodemexico
