US$330mn Acapulco west bypass almost complete

The government of Mexico is gearing up to kick off the second stage of the 6.7bn-peso (US$332mn) Acapulco southern bypass in Guerrero state. The bypass is much anticipated to serve as a link between the surrounding municipalities of the vacation hub and its airport, eliminating the need to cross the coastal city.

The first part of the project is currently about 99% complete and is scheduled for final completion by the close of 2021. This is according to a statement by the infrastructure, communications, and transportation ministry SICT said on Sunday. 

Running 21km from Bajos del Ejido to La Venta, this first stage required 4.2bn pesos which was supplied by the country’s national infrastructure fund Fonadin. 

Meanwhile, the second stage, which will connect the almost 22km stretch from Bajos del Ejido to Coyuca de Benítez, is estimated to cost approximately 2.4bn pesos. 

It is not yet clear when works will be tendered, but Fonadin has played the role of key decision-maker on the project, as it holds the 39-year concession to operate it beginning from 2012. 

The statement also revealed that the fund has hired state highway operator Capufe to manage and operate the toll link. 

“The two stages include the construction of 14 bridges, three tunnels, four viaducts, and six junctions,” SCT said in an analysis in 2018.