Mexico Invests $2.86B to Fix 18,000km of Highways

Mexico is tackling its notorious pothole problem head-on with one of the biggest road repair programs in the nation's history.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the "Mega Bachetón" (Mega Pothole-thon) on Tuesday, committing 50 billion pesos to transform 18,000 kilometers of crumbling federal highways into smooth, safe roads. That's 42% of the country's toll-free highway network getting a complete makeover.

The program responds directly to complaints Sheinbaum heard while traveling across Mexico. "We conducted a thorough review of the highways and gathered requests from citizens during our travels throughout the country," she explained at the National Palace.

The initiative covers all corners of Mexico, from Baja California's Pacific coast to the Yucatán Peninsula. Workers will repair everything from the Mexico-Nogales route in the north to the Puebla-Tapachula corridor in the south, targeting the transportation arteries that connect communities and commerce.

Mexico isn't just throwing money at the problem. The government invested in 31 state-of-the-art paving trains and 62 specialized pothole repair units that can advance up to one kilometer daily, dramatically faster than traditional methods.

A new digital monitoring system will detect potholes across the entire 43,000-kilometer toll-free network and dispatch repair crews within 72 hours. By purchasing materials directly and using government-owned equipment, officials expect to control costs while maintaining quality.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits extend far beyond smoother rides. The program will create approximately 100,000 jobs throughout 2026, putting money in workers' pockets while rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Better roads mean safer journeys for families, lower vehicle maintenance costs for drivers, and faster transport for businesses moving goods across the country. With Mexico co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, improved highways will welcome international visitors while serving communities long after the final whistle blows.

The work covers both quick fixes like filling potholes and clearing drainage systems, plus deeper repairs involving complete resurfacing with five-centimeter asphalt layers. Ten paving trains already started work in 2025, with another 10 rolling out by February and 11 more units arriving soon to ensure every region has dedicated equipment.

Mexico is proving that investing in basic infrastructure can create jobs, boost safety, and connect communities all at once.