BajaNomad

Mex 5 Construction Status by Air

Chris Crash - 3-24-2016 at 12:51 PM

The video below shows aerial views of Baja California Norte Mex 5 Construction. Video captured in March 2016. Also shown are some clips of Gonzaga Bay and the mountains and Sea of Cortez, north of San Filipe.

This video was primarily done for the purpose of showing the status of the Mex 5 construction zone. As you can see, it seems that most bridges and culverts are nearly done but there are still hills to knock through and flat sections of the new road that still needs to be blazed. The video has been sped up in some sections which accounts for some jerkiness.

(The video was uploaded around noon Pacific Time on March 24 2016. It may take a few hours for higher resolution to be available).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfJ1oUnYc6Y&feature=yout...



StuckSucks - 3-24-2016 at 01:01 PM

Chris Crash: your recent video of Bahia Concepcion (not the one with the whale shark, although that was great too) was awesome X100.

Udo - 3-24-2016 at 01:25 PM

Welcome to Nomads, Chris...you are a welcome addition to the group!

Chris Crash - 3-24-2016 at 01:36 PM

thanks. I have been an occasional lurker for several years usually checking the road report for Mex 5. Finally had something to contribute.

ehall - 3-24-2016 at 01:49 PM

Very nice video. Intersecting route choices in some areas.

23S52N - 3-24-2016 at 02:11 PM

Thanks for this! Great vid and fantastic musica cubana! This is what Nomads is about....fantastico!

rts551 - 3-24-2016 at 04:34 PM

Great perspective on how fast they are moving along. Thanks.

David K - 3-24-2016 at 05:13 PM

Yes, a nice view... and they are really going to town on the entire gap now!

Thank you and welcome to Nomad!

Chris Crash - 3-26-2016 at 11:31 AM

Thanks folks.

BTW, The old road had to be the in the best condition in at least the past 12 years, which means, probably ever. Have had friends take their 5th wheel on it the past few years but this year we had a friend take his Class AMH on the road without any difficulties and he loved it.

Changes are coming, whether we like it or not.

I am not a construction guy but was wondering how long folks think that it will take to complete given that it looks like all bridges and culverts are nearly complete.

rts551 - 3-26-2016 at 11:52 AM

our resident expert thinks a Long time "There are 23 dirt miles (not gravel, but a graded, rocky surface for at least half of that) from the end of pavement to Laguna Chapala (Hwy. 1). The Coco's bypass will shorten the actual new highway distance to about 20 miles. 20/6 = 3-4 YEARS to build and open... based on the same rate they have used since this project began (in 2007)."

But...they are not working at the same pace...a lot more people working at a faster pace. I would bet they finish within a year.


rts551 - 3-26-2016 at 01:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
As always, time estimates can only be based by past history. Since the Puertecirtos to Chapala highway began construction (in 2007), the miles of pavement completed has averaged about 6-7 miles/ 10 km. a YEAR.

They have completed about 55 miles in 9 years.

They have about 20 miles to go, at the rate of the past 9 years would indicate 3-4 years of work... or around the year 2018/2019.

However, as I said in whatever older post you dug that semi-quote out from, that estimate will be LESS if the RATE of construction steps up.

The pavement has not extended an inch in about a year and a half... but it looks like they may finally add some more asphalt soon... but probably not more than another 10 kms. (about to old Las Arrastras, where the Coco's bypass begins on the north end).


PUERTECITOS. Estimates can also be made on direct observation. Unless of course you HAVE to say something, then I suppose history will work. Is your last paragraph...another prediction based on your own observstion observation? or did you just HAVE to say something again.

willardguy - 3-26-2016 at 02:01 PM

2018/2019 ! perfect, just in time for your next trip down! :lol:

rts551 - 3-26-2016 at 02:12 PM

I gave him a chance not to say anything buy not posting his name. Guess he could just not stand it. 2018/2019...I don't know...ha has stated his trips will be less frequently now.:biggrin:

Whale-ista - 3-26-2016 at 08:34 PM

Amazing images! Thank you for posting. I am not familiar with this area, so it was educational to see the terrain.

Tell us a little about your equipment- these are really great resolution images. What kind of camera did you use? What model drone?

Thanks again- good stuff!

rts551 - 3-26-2016 at 09:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
You made a false statement, about something you partially quoted from me. If the rate of construction is unchanged, then the math is clear. The rate may change, but so far it hasn't for 9 years. I have been on my phone today, and the typos show it, Puertecitos indeed. It still may be 2018 or 2019 to complete but if it is sooner, so what? It will mean they sped up construction as I said in the part you didn't include in the old post from me you gleaned.


Oh my. Yes my fault. 2018 or 2019 for sure or they sped up.:lol::lol:

rts551 - 3-26-2016 at 09:30 PM

For those that travel this road with regularity, You would have noticed they have been working hard, with a lot of people and equipment for well over a year now. Think they will be done 2016?

bajabuddha - 3-26-2016 at 09:31 PM

My guess is it won't be done 'till the Coyote Palms are a foot-deep in water...... :lol:

Jukibird - 3-27-2016 at 08:55 AM

We are coming from Cabo and wanted to take mex 5. We are in a sprinter van and will be towing a jeep. You think we would be ok on the 23 miles of dirt road? Any help is appreciated!

Jukibird - 3-27-2016 at 09:29 AM

We are coming from Cabo and wanted to take mex 5. We are in a sprinter van and will be towing a jeep. You think we would be ok on the 23 miles of dirt road? Any help is appreciated!

Jukibird - 3-27-2016 at 09:33 AM

We are coming from Cabo and wanted to take mex 5. We are in a sprinter van and will be towing a jeep. You think we would be ok on the 23 miles of dirt road? Any help is appreciated!

BigBearRider - 3-27-2016 at 09:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Jukibird  
We are coming from Cabo and wanted to take mex 5. We are in a sprinter van and will be towing a jeep. You think we would be ok on the 23 miles of dirt road? Any help is appreciated!


Yes. If you take it slow, you shouldn't have any issues. Budget 1.5 hours for the dirt part, not including stopping at Coco's and you shouldn't have any issues. Airing down also helps.

AKgringo - 3-27-2016 at 09:53 AM

Here is a suggestion, if you have two drivers, unhook the jeep and drive it over the unpaved section. The jeep driver will have the most fun, and could scout ahead for problems.

TMW - 3-27-2016 at 11:13 AM

Go for it.