Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus last week unveiled a 24 billion-peso (US $1.37 billion) road repair and maintenance plan to rehabilitate and expand the state’s highway network.

The investment is part of Lemus’ 2025-2030 Highway Plan, an initiative that includes works in all 125 Jalisco municipalities in order to reduce travel times, improve regional connectivity, increase road safety and facilitate the movement of goods in logistics corridors throughout the state.

One of the most important construction projects will be the new 169-kilometer highway connecting Guadalajara, the state capital, with San Martín de Bolaños, in northern Jalisco, historically one of the state’s most isolated regions.

Approximately 4.6 billion pesos ($262 million) will be allotted for this project, which is expected to reduce travel times by up to three hours.

Another priority project will link Jocotepec, on the western end of Lake Chapala, with the Chapala highway and the so-called Chapala Riviera.

This new interchange would improve mobility and reduce congestion in an area that concentrates significant tourist, agricultural and commercial activity in the southern part of the state.

Other important projects included in the plan are:

— Repaving and upgrading the Quitupan-Lagunillas section of state highway 414 that connects southeastern Jalisco with Cotija, Michoacán, via the Valle de Juárez

— Increased maintenance of existing state roads, including pothole repair, resurfacing, modernization of signage, bridge improvements and drainage works

The 24 billion-peso investment will also serve to fund the more than 200 projects currently underway across the state, which employ over 5,000 workers. 

Lemus said the initiative will not only improve road infrastructure, but will also boost local economies by creating jobs and providing contracts for regional suppliers.

The governor made the announcement while attending the swearing-in ceremony of the National Chamber of Freight Transportation’s new regional Board of Directors. Lemus acknowledged the Chamber’s willingness to collaborate with the government on issues related to urban mobility and logistics, particularly with regard to adjusting freight delivery schedules in light of preparations and activities linked to the World Cup.

Guadalajara is playing host to four World Cup games.

The governor also talked of developing specialized training programs for freight transport operators, given the driver shortages the industry faces. He also touched upon highway security, endorsing the State Highway Police’s strategies to coordinate surveillance with federal authorities.

For his part, Daniel Flores, the new president of Canacar Jalisco, expressed gratitude for Lemus’ concern about issues important to the state’s transportation sector. 

Freight transport comprises approximately 6% of Jalisco’s Gross Domestic Product, in addition to playing a fundamental role in job creation and the movement of goods within and outside the state.

With reports from Lider Empresarial, Quadratín Jalisco and Publimetro