BajaNomad - Update on Highway by Jesus Maria

Update on Highway by Jesus Maria

DianaT - 11-5-2011 at 03:43 PM

As of a couple of days ago, work has not resumed yet----it is still a mess!

The diversion road going south is still awful---rocks, holes, soft areas one of the worst side roads we have ever seen. Slow and cautious.

Going north on the pavement---take it slow. We came across 4 Big Trucks using the pavement that is supposed to be only for the north bound traffic. We were going slow and slowed down further. They did pull off on the torn up pavement to let us and other north bound traffic pass.

We hope that the new contractor will start soon!

[Edited on 11-5-2011 by DianaT]

Bajahowodd - 11-5-2011 at 04:28 PM

Thanks for the update. As I mentioned in another post, this construction area has the potential for a major tragedy, what with a couple of blind hills.

I'm guessing that given the remote location, it's not something that anyone will be able to complain about locally.

In my opinion, this is the absolute nastiest situation, outside of immediate storm related damage, that I've seen in more than two decades of driving the Baja road.

woody with a view - 11-5-2011 at 04:42 PM

yep! just be smarter than the signs and give way to the north bound traffic...

Bob and Susan - 11-5-2011 at 06:16 PM

i was on the road monday night...
its pretty bad but passable if you drive SLOW

lots of people using the northbound lane going south
it's pretty dangerous if you are traveling south

just drive slow and you'll be fine

it's part of "the adventure"

mulegejim - 11-6-2011 at 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
yep! just be smarter than the signs and give way to the north bound traffic...

I came through there about 3 weeks ago going north and agree completely - go slow, move over and yield to the south bound traffic even though you may have the right-of-way. It's a lot to ask for the big rigs to travel on the south bound dirt roadway as it is so rough. I really had no problems and got through in a timely manner. I will say I came through in daylight and traffic was not very heavy. Almost all of the south bound traffic waved and gave me a thumbs-up for pulling over and letting them through. I should add that I was driving a rather narrow vehicle - 2005 Toyota Tacoma PU. Jim

[Edited on 11-6-2011 by mulegejim]

[Edited on 11-8-2011 by mulegejim]

RnR - 11-6-2011 at 07:20 AM

Just came through there yesterday with a truck and travel trailer. The detour is 3 1/2 miles long and really not that bad. Just go SLOW. Idled through in first gear, at about 5 mph. No problems. Yes, that is 45 minutes to go 3 1/2 miles but no problems.

The detour at Maneadero is WORSE!. Albeit is only about 3/4 mile. The surface is much rougher.

Going the wrong way on the remaining pavement is not a good idea if you are wider than a car/truck, as in, motorhome or travel trailer. The torn up lane is not full width. Saw two semi's trying to get by each other. They were definately having serious problems!

ill-managed area

Mulegena - 11-6-2011 at 10:59 AM

Did not know or see posts that the single lane was reserved for north-bound traffic only.
I saw no flagmen and probably missed any signs cause of all the heavy, brown dusty flying around.

What I did on my recent drive south: going slow-- can't go fast luckily-- I saw a car coming from the south that I realized I would eventually meet nose-to-nose, soooooo well in advance of the inevitable head-on liplock I pulled down onto the soft dirt shoulder where there was already a truck traveling. From there and for the rest of the way I just followed the truck. When he went back up onto the "better" dirt roadway, so did I. When he went back down off, I did the same, and so on until we were through this very dangerous and nasty area.

In retrospect I think it would be safer to simply stay off that higher middle lane and stay down in the dirt, going north or south.

I've traveled Baja for some 30 years and seen many changes to the highway.
Beyond "adventure" this is a totallly hairy few miles' drive, imo.

David K - 11-6-2011 at 12:41 PM

If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

PCbaja - 11-6-2011 at 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

You gotta be kidding :wow:

better informed is better prepared

Mulegena - 11-6-2011 at 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

No, not a feasible option, I think.

Its only a few short miles and out in the middle of nowhere (it seems), but wow! its dangerous and seems to come on ya' quick-- suddenly the highway is torn down to its underpinnings, one lane going in both directions, and there's no flagmen!

David, could you give us an expanded map of this area, please,
so we'll know where and can plan when to expect it?

Mulegena

DianaT - 11-6-2011 at 03:08 PM

In a previous discussion about this terrible section, rts555 said that he checked in Jesus Maria and the contractor had quit. That is why there is no flagman or good markers or a decent graded side road.

But the people in Jesus Maria told him that the government was negotiating with another contractor so soon, we hope, work will begin once again and it will make it A LOT safer.

For when you are headed home, the other routes really are not a very good choice, unless you want to delay your arrival. :biggrin:

David K - 11-6-2011 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PCbaja

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

You gotta be kidding :wow:

I say an SUV (or truck) because 4WD may not be needed (at least on the east coast road)... This is only an option for those casually driving the peninsula and not in a mad rush to CABO or some destination where they are spending their entire vacation (instead of taking in more of what Baja has to offer).

Bob and Susan - 11-6-2011 at 04:28 PM

the bad road is ONLY 3 miles...it's really no problem

David K - 11-6-2011 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

I am on my son's laptop while watching the Chargers... I will see what I can show on dirt roads later...

The old road south leaves from the village of Rosarito where the highway curves west following the valley. The old road comes right close to the highway near the El Tomatal road/ military checkpoint... then it heads to the middle of the peninsula at El Arco.

That route is probably best done in a 4WD and could add a day to your drive south! WHO'S in a hurry?

David K - 11-6-2011 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the bad road is ONLY 3 miles...it's really no problem

Seriously? It sounded like 10-20 mile detour per another post I thought?

bajabass - 11-6-2011 at 04:41 PM

I hit it northbound last Saturday and southbound yesterday. Be careful and it is fine! Use the north lane going south only in a high clearance vehicle, if you need to jump down real quick, you can do so without damage. Other than that, BE CAREFUL!! You'll be OK.
After a good soaking from a nice storm Friday PM, the Maneadero stretch is a muddy nightmare. It will take a full day to make the Tundra white again :lol:

Phil S - 11-6-2011 at 04:42 PM

David K. Were you serious about that comment???? Huh huh huh???????
Is that road good enough to drive for you to comment about itf? When we're talking about only 3.5 miles of construction?

Bajahowodd - 11-6-2011 at 04:53 PM

As I've stated previously, the real problem arises at a couple of the hills. It's fine to play chicken on a one lane road that is straight and flat. I am really concerned, however, that some idiot might be going too fast as they approach the crest of one of the hills and "bingo!"

To be perfectly clear, there is a marked detour for Southbound drivers that puts them on a very poorly maintained dirt side road with large rocks, soft earth and no shoulder. The as yet unaffected single lane paved road is for Northbound drivers. I'm just a tad concerned reading that someone posted here that they didn't even notice the detour.

Given the potential for catastrophe, it really doesn't matter whether this detour is 1/2 mile or ten.

And, the snide comment about folks in a mad rush to Cabo merely shows someone's total ignorance when it comes to safety.

DianaT - 11-6-2011 at 04:55 PM

What type of vehicle one is driving does make a very big difference and yes, it is doable---we have crossed over it 4 times in the last few weeks.

Main purpose here was to warn people it is STILL there, the new contractor has NOT started work yet and everyone will need to make the decision where to drive going south on their own----both ways have their major pitfalls.

Be very careful and do slow down.

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

I say an SUV (or truck) because 4WD may not be needed (at least on the east coast road)... This is only an option for those casually driving the peninsula and not in a mad rush to CABO or some destination where they are spending their entire vacation (instead of taking in more of what Baja has to offer).

And DK---yes, some of us are in a hurry to get to our Baja or US homes and cannot add an extra day to our journey. Everyone has their own way of enjoying Baja----none are better than others and it is ALL the real Baja. Some people really love Baja and really dislike the back dirt roads. It is why some of our Baja friends do not come out to our area.

On edit---Howard since you were there, all the makers have been knocked over---not a good thing

[Edited on 11-7-2011 by DianaT]

David K - 11-6-2011 at 05:08 PM

Seriously...? JUST talking options for people who are NOT in a hurry to get to their spot. This is a Baja discussion forum... usually... well, sometimes!

rts551 - 11-6-2011 at 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
As I've stated previously, the real problem arises at a couple of the hills. It's fine to play chicken on a one lane road that is straight and flat. I am really concerned, however, that some idiot might be going too fast as they approach the crest of one of the hills and "bingo!"

To be perfectly clear, there is a marked detour for Southbound drivers that puts them on a very poorly maintained dirt side road with large rocks, soft earth and no shoulder. The as yet unaffected single lane paved road is for Northbound drivers. I'm just a tad concerned reading that someone posted here that they didn't even notice the detour.

Given the potential for catastrophe, it really doesn't matter whether this detour is 1/2 mile or ten.

And, the snide comment about folks in a mad rush to Cabo merely shows someone's total ignorance when it comes to safety.

The snide comment is from someone who makes his own mad dash to get places and brags about it (Read his blvd 2000 post etc) but it is OK when he does it! Like others have said, Just got to be careful is all

Bicho - 11-7-2011 at 08:35 AM

Does it seem strange that a seemingly innocent "informational" comment by DianaT :dudette:

is so often followed by her Boys' Brigade and their endless need to attack David K whenever for whatever!

Get a new strategy Boys....borrrrring

David K - 11-7-2011 at 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

Okay, here is a map of the old road between Rosarito and El Arco with the newer Baja highway and other paved roads added in:

Here is the old road from El Arco to San Ignacio with new roads added in:

IF you come south from Bahia de los Angeles, you have a short-cut that takes you closer to Mision Santa Gertudis as it goes to Guillermo Prieto then out to Hwy. 1 just north of Vizcaino:

Roberto - 11-8-2011 at 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bicho
Does it seem strange that a seemingly innocent "informational" comment by DianaT :dudette:

is so often followed by her Boys' Brigade and their endless need to attack David K whenever for whatever!

Get a new strategy Boys....borrrrring

Yeah, that's the way it went. :lol:

[Edited on 11-8-2011 by Roberto]

Mulegena - 11-8-2011 at 07:02 PM

Thanks, Diana, for opening up this discussion to heighten travelers' awareness.

I've driven the stretch twice, north and south, and really truly did not see clear signs
or find the southbound traffic clearly diverted off the roadway.

This area is dangerous, 3 miles or 300.
It seems to pop up out of nowhere, no warning.

When I asked for a map, I was suggesting a view of the immediate area and adjacent towns
so we'd have reference as to when we'll encounter it-- I'm still not clear on that.

mojo_norte - 11-12-2011 at 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

David - do you have a link for recent trip report for (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area) - thanks

David K - 11-12-2011 at 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you are in an SUV, maybe use the old road or better the gulf route (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area)?

David - do you have a link for recent trip report for (south from Bahia de Los Angeles to Vizcaino area) - thanks

Pacifico posted this on the 28th of last month:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=55918

The Baja Hottie Has A Following?

Bajahowodd - 11-12-2011 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bicho
Does it seem strange that a seemingly innocent "informational" comment by DianaT :dudette:

is so often followed by her Boys' Brigade and their endless need to attack David K whenever for whatever!

Get a new strategy Boys....borrrrring

Sort of in jest. Dianne is someone we should all appreciate for her overall experience which includes stuff beyond Baja. Big time.

You stray cats and vagabonds, who hang out in the shadows, drinking malt liquor from brown bags ought to chill a bit.

Some folks on this board have actually done some very interesting and rewarding things.

Leo - 11-23-2011 at 05:58 PM

drove this stretch today.
Piece of cake with class B RV. No more blacktop for north-bound either, 2 lane on dirt and the good news is they are working on it.

DianaT - 11-23-2011 at 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Leo
drove this stretch today.
Piece of cake with class B RV. No more blacktop for north-bound either, 2 lane on dirt and the good news is they are working on it.

That is GREAT news to hear they are working on it and have made it a lot safer. THANKS

acadist - 11-23-2011 at 06:36 PM

Good news! Will drive it Sunday

woody with a view - 11-23-2011 at 06:48 PM

2 lane on dirt doesn't sound fun. 1 month ago the dirt bypass SUCKED.

Pompano - 11-23-2011 at 07:08 PM

I went over that stretch the night of Nov 7th in a 35 ft motorhome pulling a 23 ft boat/trailer. Nary a moment's danger or problem. It was actually kinda boring.

Good travels to all.

acadist - 11-23-2011 at 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
2 lane on dirt doesn't sound fun. 1 month ago the dirt bypass SUCKED.

Sounds like more fun than stop & go on I25 going home from work today............11 days off, first turkey than Baja YEA!!

shari - 11-23-2011 at 09:10 PM

woo hoo...bring the leftovers acadist! (no turkey here

)

LaTijereta - 11-24-2011 at 08:08 AM

Ran that section on Tuesday..Going north, and the traffic was two-way on the lower road.
They made it wider for bi-pass section, as they are working on the upper road base.. Also the rains helped to pack things down..

DianaT - 11-24-2011 at 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta
Ran that section on Tuesday..Going north, and the traffic was two-way on the lower road.
They made it wider for bi-pass section, as they are working on the upper road base.. Also the rains helped to pack things down..

Sure looks different----a good thing! Thanks.

[Edited on 11-24-2011 by DianaT]

Me, Too!

Bajahowodd - 11-24-2011 at 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT

Quote:

Sure looks different----a good thing! Thanks.

[Edited on 11-24-2011 by DianaT]

Norm - 11-25-2011 at 05:09 PM

Just ran the road two days ago !!!! They are working & just glad happy that we are getting some very nice roads now. I have driven the road at it's best & then it went to hell & now we are on a roll with all the new work !!
Just not sure up north what they are thinking , digging up a hole bigger that the grand canyon ??

Bob and Susan - 11-25-2011 at 06:06 PM

ecomujeres - 11-26-2011 at 11:50 PM

Quote:

We also took that section NB this past Tuesday. The roadbed was solid and very smooth, with very few small pot holes or rough spots. This being opposed to our SB trip in mid October on the detour which was soft and very bumpy.

The crews were out in force and both ends of the stretch were well marked.

Bajaboy - 11-27-2011 at 12:03 AM

Drove it this morning...no traffic on the road...only on the side road...dusty with a few sections of big pot holes...good news is that the crews were working.

JESUS MARIA ROAD REPAIRS-(CONDITION TODAY)

Pompano - 11-29-2011 at 07:41 AM

The questions and worries about this construction area prompted me to take some windshield photos of it's entire length. I was in the northbound lane.

These photos were taken yesterday afternoon, Nov 28th, 2011.

Starting from Jesus Maria

Repairs begin just north of the village...not bad at all, except for the slower speed required. :rolleyes:

This semi-driver has made a decision to take the high road...and really, there is nothing too dangerous about it at all. Just his decision and experience to justify it. I had no problem with passing him by on the opposite lane.

And that's all there is to it...a piece of cake. The road beyond the repairs has several bad edges where you could easily drop a trailer tire, so be extra cautious and watch your right mirror.

Northbound.....There is NO slowdown of traffic, no impediment to travel, NO problems whatsoever. Average speed in my motorhome was 22mph.

Southbound....there is no impeditment to traffic, no problems...it is slightly slower due to the washboard conditons of the haul road. Average speed for larger rigs looked to be about 12-15mph.

Note..the entire length of this road repair is LESS THAN 3 MILES.

A PIECE OF CAKE.

David K - 11-29-2011 at 08:00 AM

Excellent Roger!

DianaT - 11-29-2011 at 08:48 AM

Good---several have reported that they were finally working on it and it shows!

And good to see the warning signs, etc. also replaced. Thanks.

Mulegena - 11-29-2011 at 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
Good---several have reported that they were finally working on it and it shows!

And good to see the warning signs, etc. also replaced. Thanks.

Excellent report, Pompano, but I gotta say Wow! passing a semi on the right on a one-lane road, and just gotta ask... just where were the flagmen and convoy cars?

Pompano - 11-30-2011 at 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
Good---several have reported that they were finally working on it and it shows!

And good to see the warning signs, etc. also replaced. Thanks.

Excellent report, Pompano, but I gotta say Wow! passing a semi on the right on a one-lane road, and just gotta ask... just where were the flagmen and convoy cars?

What do you see that is wrong with this event, Mulegena?

Hey...makes perfect sense to me... when I'm in Baja.

Now, if this happened in SoCal or Omaha, I might raise my eyebrows....like this: :rolleyes:

rhintransit - 11-30-2011 at 07:34 AM

I drove southbound on Sunday. in fact, my little convoy...blue Toyota truck hauling the boat and my little dark grey Subaru are pictured, parked tandem at the tamale stand near the Pemex at Santa Maria.
I'd agree with the ROAD report except for the dust storm effect. I managed to get behind five semis in a row. the dust was so bad I could not see the one ahead of me unless I was five feet from its bumper. and I couldn't see that there were five semis, not until I'd passed and counted each one. I couldn't see oncoming traffic until it was almost at the nose of the semi. and, yes, I passed each one as they were going no more than five miles per hour and the dust, as I said, was horrendous. passing at six miles an hour I hoped that anyone in the oncoming lane was going as slowly and we could stop if we saw each other's headlights.
if you know you have semis ahead of you, I'd recommend pulling over before the stretch and giving them a good long time to pass, for safety and sanity.

[Edited on 11-30-2011 by rhintransit]

rts551 - 12-1-2011 at 03:57 PM

The bottom road was is constantly graded and actually easier than the gravel road

BajaNomad - 1-6-2012 at 11:04 PM

Just noting that construction continues north of Jesus Maria... about a 3 mile stretch on January 4th.