Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On Sunday, January 6th the second tunnel on Puerto Vallarta's Luis Donaldo Colosio Highway (El Libramiento) was opened to traffic, although its inauguration will be delayed until work on the old tunnel is completed.

At this time, the new tunnel is handling traffic from both directions, as work is currently underway to make the old tunnel on par with the new. The existing tunnel was thoroughly checked and found in good condition, but improvements are being made to the lighting and ventilation systems to make it safer and more driver-friendly.

The new tunnel, which was initiated in May of 2011 with an estimated cost of $130 million pesos and a forecasted completion date of 533 days, was completed in approximately 600 days at a cost of just over $175 million pesos.

Upon completion of the project, the twin tunnels will offer two lanes for travel from north to south and two for traveling from south to north, thereby easing vehicular traffic in the municipality and especially in the downtown area.

In the meantime, authorities recommend driving with caution in this area, as it is a new road and people will need time to get used to it.