Beginning on May 16, 2011 and continuing until mid-September, 2011, Paseo Diaz Ordaz, the street bordering the Puerto Vallarta Malecon, is closed to vehicular traffic to facilitate major Malecon renovations.

Traffic is diverted onto Morelos street which now has a no parking regulation to keep it open to the original 2 lanes. “Intelligent” traffic lights have been installed at the upper end of the Malecon and on Morelos to regulate traffic.

THE CLUBS AND BARS ON THE MALECON ARE OPEN. I might even go so far as to recommend to people that they patronize these places more now while traffic (walking and vehicular) is down and the construction is in process. Party with the changes.

The truth behind the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.

In a statement released today, May 20, the Director of Tourism of Puerto Vallarta, on behalf of the city mayor, confirmed that the ambitious project of widening the sea side malecon in the heart of the city will provide a public space for residents of and visitors to Vallarta.

Q. What is the purpose of the work being carried out along the boardwalk?
A. The main objectives are:

– Reconstruction of the retaining wall facing the sea, as it was damaged.

– Generate a public space for living and strengthen trade along the malecon.

Q. Are businesses closed during the works?
A. No. All businesses are operating as usual.

Q. Does the work break with the identity of Puerto Vallarta?
A. No, because only materials that reflect and support the colonial style typical to Puerto Vallarta will be used.

Q. Will there be concessions to place tables and chairs along the boardwalk?
A. No. The commitment is to respect public spaces.

Q. Will pedestrians be safe?
A. Yes. Our primary concern during the planning of the project was public safety.

Q. Do you close for the street Diaz Ordaz the passage of vehicles?
A. No. We will respect the lanes that currently exist and introduce speed limits.

Q. Why are traffic lights used on Morelos Street.
A. Because of the work in progress, is necessary to divert traffic and avoid gridlock or congestion.

Q. How long will the project take to complete?
A. The project will be delivere in 4 months. Access will only be restricted during the first phase, or for 2 months.

Q. How is the program being funded?
A. Funding provided by the Municipal Government in coordination with the State and Federal governments are behind the program.

Q. How will the city benefit from the work?
A. The project was created to attract more tourists to Puerto Vallarta, show casing the destination as a place to live, host events like the Pan American Games in October without losing the charm of our Mexican heritage and architecture. We see the project making Puerto Vallarta a better place for families to live in.

Q. What company was hired for the construction of the Malecon?
A. The construction company is Gemini SA. Experienced in carrying out major works like the Pitillal River and the Estero Salado bridges, the ramp at the Puerto Vallarta International airport and an 8 lane development near the Ameca estuary at the mouth of the Salado River

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EDITORIAL OPINION: More and more Puerto Vallarta, at least the aging gringo portion of it, is looking like characters in a scene from this “play.” And, of course, all of these characters and symbolic references are fictional and any resemblance to actual persons and events is purely coincidental.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEHNtqFt9Ck[/youtube]