Highway 307 Repairs Complete—But Is It a Long-Term Fix?

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — After nearly a decade of complaints, delays, and growing safety concerns, the problematic stretch of Federal Highway 307 between Cancún and Playa del Carmen has finally been repaired—at least temporarily. State officials confirmed that the recent rehabilitation work, which cost 40.2 million pesos, has addressed the sinkhole-ridden section near kilometer 307. But for many locals and transport operators, the fix is long overdue—and still not permanent.

A Decade of Problems and Promises

The sinkhole, which originated from an underlying geological fault, first emerged in 2015. Since then, the area has become infamous among drivers for sudden lane closures, traffic bottlenecks, and accidents. Over the years, multiple state and federal officials pledged action, but temporary patchwork solutions often failed, prompting renewed frustration from commuters and commercial drivers who rely on this key north-south artery.

Highway 307 is the main coastal corridor linking the state’s top destinations—Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and beyond. It serves thousands of vehicles daily, including tourist shuttles, cargo trucks, buses, and taxis. When the road is compromised, the economic and logistical impact reverberates across the entire Riviera Maya.

What the Repairs Include

Rafael Lara, Secretary of Public Works for Quintana Roo, said the recent works included leveling the terrain, laying down new asphalt, and improving road signage to enhance safety. Conducted by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT), the project began in January 2025 and was prioritized due to the corridor’s strategic importance.

While the repairs provide immediate relief, Lara acknowledged that this is a temporary solution. The SICT considers the current work part of a conservation initiative designed to stabilize the road while plans for a more durable fix are implemented.

The Long-Term Plan: A 400-Meter Bridge

Federal authorities revealed that the ultimate solution to the geological instability will be the construction of a 400-meter bridge between kilometers 303.5 and 311.9. This elevated structure, expected to cost 300 million pesos, would bypass the problematic terrain entirely. The bridge is still in the planning stages, with an estimated completion time of 12 months once construction begins.

This bridge has been proposed before but repeatedly stalled due to bureaucratic delays and shifting infrastructure priorities. It remains to be seen whether this iteration of the project will be fully funded and executed within the promised timeline.

Maya Train Brings Accelerated Maintenance

Much of the highway’s recent deterioration—especially further south—has been attributed to the movement of heavy materials and equipment related to the Maya Train project. In response, the federal government has accelerated highway maintenance efforts across the region.

According to Lara, the full rehabilitation of Highway 307 from Tulum to Cancún is now complete, with only road signage pending. Meanwhile, the stretch from Tulum to Chetumal is being handled by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), which is overseeing horizontal and vertical signage installation in coordination with state agencies.

Broader Implications for the Riviera Maya

For many locals, the question is not whether repairs are finally happening, but whether they will last. Highway 307 is the lifeline of the Riviera Maya, used by millions of residents, tourists, and businesses each year. With the expansion of major infrastructure projects like the Maya Train, traffic along the corridor is only expected to increase.

Environmental groups have also raised concerns in the past about the road’s proximity to sensitive ecosystems, underground rivers, and cenotes, all of which are geologically fragile and prone to collapse when construction is not carefully managed.

Bottom Line

While the latest repairs to Highway 307 mark a long-awaited improvement, they do not yet represent a permanent solution. As plans for the bridge move forward and highway improvements continue across the region, Quintana Roo residents are cautiously optimistic—but also keeping watch to ensure that promises finally turn into durable results.