Hi Everyone,

I did a search and couldn't find anything about this on HU, so I thought I would pitch in.

There is a new highway in Mexico to replace the infamous road, Federal Highway 40, between Mazatlan and Durango. The old road, dubbed "Devil's Backbone" is an amazing ride with hundreds of great turns and no shortage of beautiful scenery.

However, the new road is a feat of engineering featuring 63 tunnels and 115 new bridges, including the 2nd tallest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the Baluarte Bridge, 1322 ft above the riverbed.

The new highway opened a month ago, according to local knowledge (take it for what it is).

I just did a fantastic ride from Mazatlan up to El Salto (~100km from Durango) and back again. I went up the old 40 and down the new 40D, and it cost me exactly 200 pesos to head down the 40D, making it not unreasonably expensive. The new highway is in excellent shape except for a handful of potholes, the tunnels are all top notch and good fun, and the Baluarte Bridge is a sight to behold. The old highway was a lot of fun, even while watching for buses and potholes and livestock. It took me from 9 to 5, roughly. I found it nice to ride the hairpins all the way to El Salto, and then breeze home on the new highway with its gentle curves.

If you're planning a trip in Mexico, keep this in mind

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Eric vs. the Americas, 01/01/2014 - ?? ebdavidson.wordpress.com