Despite earlier claims that the Durango-Mazatlán highway would be completed before the end of this year, government officials have now confirmed that the highway will not be finished, and will not open, until sometime in 2013.
There is still no date for the official opening of the new Mazatlán-Durango highway, but it is now certain that it will not enter service until early 2013, according to press reports. The eastern part of the highway (in Durango state) is expected to be completed before the end of this year. However, it will be impossible to bring this section into use until the western part of the highway (in Sinaloa state) is completed, because the route of the new highway is very different to the existing highway and it would be too expensive to connect the two.
The section of the highway in Sinaloa is reported to be still missing key pieces, including an important bridge.
Update: New Durango-Mazatlán highway officially open(Oct 2013)
Related posts:
- Mexico’s Puente Baluarte, the world’s tallest cable-stayed bridge, now officially open (5 Jan 2012)
- The Durango-Mazatlán highway in Mexico should open in 2012 (17 July 2011)
- The likely economic impact of the new Mazatlán to Durango highway in Mexico (7 September 2010)
- New highway in Mexico joins Durango and Mazatlán (24 March 2010)
6 Responses to “The Durango-Mazatlán highway in Mexico should open in 2013”
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I’ve traveled several times from my home in Kansas City to Mazatlan over the old road – “the devi’s spine” – and am anxiously awaiting the opening of the new highway.
The above notice alludes to “early 2013” but no date. I hope there are serious American press releases as soon as a firm date is determined. Absent such, am I able to be put on a notification list? If so, my e-mail above is fine.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Bill Emerson
Rest assured, as soon as we know for sure, we will be posting an update, including a link from this original post. TB
A man who just drove the route last week there is a section between Mesillia and Santa Lucia now open (about 30 miles). Last year the portion from Durango to El Salto was open (about 55 miles). So about half is open now , but unfortunately for the faint of heart the worst part is a required drive.
Tom, Thanks for the update. Hopefully, the remaining section will be completed before the rainy season. Best wishes, Tony
I just heard about this new highway from friends staying at Punta Cerritos. Wow. . she told me the new road will be ‘straight with many bridges.’ How will they do this? I’ve traveled this road many times (Durnago to Mazatlan) and it wasn’t ever without the bus almost careening over the side into the jungle down below!
The new highway is much straighter and now very nearly completed. It does eliminate the dangerous sections and should be much safer! We will bring you an update early next year… TB