BajaNomad

Any updates on Hwy. 5?

Pacifico - 9-11-2017 at 03:55 PM

Hola amigos,

Any updates on Highway 5 between Gonzaga and Hwy. 1? Is it open?

Thanks in advance!

woody with a view - 9-11-2017 at 04:09 PM

Smooove!

David K - 9-11-2017 at 04:09 PM

It's always been open!
The pavement was extended a whole 0.9 mile between Aug. 2 (southbound) and Aug. 13 (northbound)... in other words, the barrier was moved and I drove on the newest pavement and bridges just south of where it has ended since 2014.

With crews working here and there, the detours could change again?

Still 22 to 23 unpaved miles, however.

On the south end, some of the new, elevated roadbed was open on the Chapala valley and that included a bridge and a tiny amount of pavement.

I would like to see a September update from someone, also!


On the Road Conditions forum is a huge Hwy. 5 thread where this was posted:

AUG. 13, 2017 UPDATE (northbound):

NEW ROADBED OPEN!
In the 2 weeks since I was last on this route, barriers blocking the new highway elevated roadbed (south of the original road) were removed and other cars were on it. During construction, these detours could very well change back.

Mile 0.0 Hwy. 1 & Hwy. 5 Junction, 1:58 pm.
Mile 0.9 Fork right onto new roadbed.
Mile 3.5 original and new roads rejoin.
Mile 5.2 off of new roadbed.
Mile 8.0 Construction camp, leave new road alignment and head for Coco's Corner.
Mile 12.9 Coco's Corner 2:36 pm
Mile 16.8 Las Arrastras 2:45 pm Rejoin new road route.
Mile 22.3 On pavement and new bridges.
Mile 23.2 Km. 167 (just north of previous pavement start.
Mile 35.5 Km. 147 Gonzaga Bay Pemex, 3:12 pm


Paved bridge, new section, Chapala Valley.


New section, Chapala Valley.


Can you imagine how Arturo Grosso made the first road through here, in 1955? Picks and dynamite!










Here is where the highway leaves the original route (northbound) and shoots straight to Las Arrastras, bypassing Coco's Corner.


Nearing Coco's Corner.


Here at Las Arrastras, is where the new highway returns to the original route, on the north end of the Coco's Bypass.


Old and new routes criss-cross a few times.


Gonzaga Bay, dead ahead!



[Edited on 9-11-2017 by David K]

Pacifico - 9-11-2017 at 04:22 PM

Thanks, I was thinking more in terms of the recent rains...I heard the road had some issues. That's great if it was not affected!

David K - 9-11-2017 at 04:52 PM

The weather was perfect the first half of August. The hurricane came after I was back home.

The road is an active highway with construction crews on it, as well as all kinds of cars and semis, One person posted a photo going around a big puddle as being the only thing the hurricane added to the road.

I am sure your truck will not have an issue as you are an experienced Baja driver!

bajagrouper - 9-11-2017 at 08:21 PM

DAVID, Do you have an estimation driving time from the junction of Highways 1 & 5 to San Felipe?

David K - 9-11-2017 at 10:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajagrouper  
DAVID, Do you have an estimation driving time from the junction of Highways 1 & 5 to San Felipe?


If you are light, no stopping at Coco's... About 3 hours now... maybe 3.5
Hwy. 1- Gonzaga 1 hour to 1.5 hrs. (35 mi)
Gonzaga to Puertecitos: 45 min. (45 mi)
Puertecitos to San Felipe: 1 hour + (52 miles) BAD DIPS, don't drive too fast so you can slow down for them.

bajagrouper - 9-12-2017 at 10:10 AM

Thank you........

El Jefe - 9-12-2017 at 10:13 AM

Friends drove the dirt/gravel section two days ago. Said it was about the same as it has been for the last year or so. Still about an hour to cross over. They were northbound and stayed at a hotel in Gonzaga. Said it was 100 bucks and dirty. 30 dollar value. Wouldn't take his wife there, and she is Baja proven.

willardguy - 9-12-2017 at 10:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe  
Friends drove the dirt/gravel section two days ago. Said it was about the same as it has been for the last year or so. Still about an hour to cross over. They were northbound and stayed at a hotel in Gonzaga. Said it was 100 bucks and dirty. 30 dollar value. Wouldn't take his wife there, and she is Baja proven.


wow....alfonsina's post Lidia?

TMW - 9-12-2017 at 10:45 AM

I agree with El Jefe's friend the rooms are not worth the price but the food is excellent.

David K - 9-12-2017 at 10:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe  
Friends drove the dirt/gravel section two days ago. Said it was about the same as it has been for the last year or so. Still about an hour to cross over. They were northbound and stayed at a hotel in Gonzaga. Said it was 100 bucks and dirty. 30 dollar value. Wouldn't take his wife there, and she is Baja proven.


wow....alfonsina's post Lidia?


My guess.. Alfonsina's post-Antonio! He ran a tight ship. Joaquín and Róman would do well to get him back or get a professional resort manager.

BooJumMan - 9-12-2017 at 10:48 AM

Saw a post on Talk Baja literally 1-2 days after Lidia passed over the area. They said there were a couple puddles, but otherwise the same as it ever was.

willardguy - 9-12-2017 at 11:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by willardguy  
Quote: Originally posted by El Jefe  
Friends drove the dirt/gravel section two days ago. Said it was about the same as it has been for the last year or so. Still about an hour to cross over. They were northbound and stayed at a hotel in Gonzaga. Said it was 100 bucks and dirty. 30 dollar value. Wouldn't take his wife there, and she is Baja proven.


wow....alfonsina's post Lidia?


My guess.. Alfonsina's post-Antonio! He ran a tight ship. Joaquín and Róman would do well to get him back or get a professional resort manager.


tight ship....:lol:

David K - 9-12-2017 at 12:55 PM

Yep, it was very common to hear of people arriving and he would need to check them out before renting them rooms... reservations didn't matter! LOL
Food was always good and after Irma left, he hoped his young wife could fill her shoes...


Baja Angel, Antonio, and the Mrs., November 2006.

[Edited on 9-12-2017 by David K]

Pacifico - 9-15-2017 at 11:50 AM

Thanks everyone!

Heading south soon!

basautter - 9-16-2017 at 06:25 AM

Any updates on the road from San Felipe to Gonzaga Bay? Last year it was getting pretty bad in spots.

David K - 9-16-2017 at 06:37 AM

It is rough for a few kilometers after you turn off the airport road. Once you are beyond Punta Estrella and Valle de los Gigantes area it about the same as always, ie. watch out for the dips! That changes at the Puertecitos junction (Km. 74.5) where the new highway begins (2007+). All is fast on it, but there are some rocks to dodge where the deep cuts into the volcanic hills are, the 18 miles beyond Puertecitos.

PaulW - 9-16-2017 at 07:30 AM

David is correct. The main issue is the lack of maintenance. Rocks on the road cuts on the new road are seldom cleaned up and just south of SF the road is getting worse all the time.
Roomers persist that a new road alignment will someday happen between SF and Puertecitos. I guess that is why the existing road is so neglected.

Sr.vienes - 9-16-2017 at 09:51 AM

New road between SF and Puertocitos!!!! Say it ain't so. The big fun of this trip is to follow someone who is not aware of the oil pan eating reverse TOPES and watch the heads bounce and the sparks fly. Don't follow a pickup to close though because they have been known to eject ice chests and Coleman stoves. Gauge your own speed by the depths of the pavement groove leaving and the skid marks entering.

rts551 - 9-16-2017 at 10:31 AM

Puertecitos to Gonzaga. Best to listen to someone who has traveled it recently. There were some major rockslides last week due to the storm. Don't know if they have been cleaned up yet. Beware.