Coastal Highway El Salvador 2026: The Definitive Guide with Route, Progress, and Impact

Imagine traveling along El Salvador’s coast on a completely new route, where traffic jams are a thing of the past and the country’s best beaches are connected like never before. This scenario is about to become a reality with the most anticipated tourism infrastructure project: the El Salvador Coastal Highway 2026.

More than just asphalt, this project represents a radical transformation for connectivity, tourism, and the economic development of the entire coastal region. In this definitive guide, we take you beyond the advertisements and show you the exact route, the real-time status of construction progress, and the concrete impact it will have on how you travel, do business, or simply enjoy the Salvadoran coast.

Key Note: The term “Carretera Litoral 2026” mainly encompasses two initiatives: the widening of CA-02 in La Libertad (within the Surf City framework) and the new “Surf City 2” highway in the eastern zone. Both aim to boost coastal tourism but in different regions.

📍 Project 1: Widening of the Carretera del Litoral in La Libertad (Surf City Phase 2)

This project involves the widening of the existing CA-02 highway, focused on the country’s busiest tourist corridor.

• Section and Goal: The work will widen the road from two to four lanes on a critical stretch. Official sources mention two similar reference points: from Playa El Obispo to Playa El Zonte, with another specification detailing from Residencial Xanadú to El Zonte (8.2 km) and from the entrance to the Camino a Surf City bypass to El Zonte (23 km).
• Status and Timeline:
  • Secured Funding: The project has approved financing. A loan of $65 million from the CABEI and $70 million from the OPEC Fund are earmarked for this phase. For the 2026 fiscal year, a budget allocation of $40 million is planned for this expansion.
  • Physical Progress: Work has already begun. By December 2025, the paving of over 600 meters of hydraulic concrete on the El Obispo-El Zonte stretch was reported. The first awarded contract covers 4 km from El Obispo to the Conchalío roundabout.
  • Formal Start Date: The comprehensive widening of the stretch is projected to begin in early January 2026.
• Components and Benefits:
  • Mobility: It aims to decongest traffic, especially on weekends, reducing travel times and improving road safety.
  • Sustainability: This is a key pillar. The project includes the construction of wastewater treatment plants in the zone’s rivers (such as Chilama, Palmarcito, and Sunzal) to protect coastal ecosystems.
  • Complementary Infrastructure: Includes the construction of 14 new or widened bridges, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, underground cabling in La Libertad, and the renewal of public plazas.
  • Impact: It will directly benefit over 69,000 residents and some 40,000 daily drivers, boosting local commerce and tourism.

🗺️ Project 2: Surf City 2 (Eastern Zone Highway)

This is an independent, new project, often called “Surf City 2,” recently inaugurated in the eastern part of the country.

• Location and Characteristics: It is a new 13-kilometer highway connecting the main beaches of the San Miguel and Usulután departments, with special emphasis on access to Punta Mango, a world-class surfing destination.
• Current Status: This project has already been inaugurated by President Nayib Bukele. Therefore, it does not have a projection for 2026; it is already an operational reality.
• Key Features: It was built with modern tourist standards, including bike lanes, lighting, viewpoints, and observation areas integrated into the design.
• Impact: Its goal is to establish the eastern zone as an international tourist destination, benefiting 11 beaches along its route and forming part of a historic infrastructure investment for that region.

📊 Quick Comparison: Two Key Projects

To clearly distinguish between both initiatives, the following table summarizes their main characteristics:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Will the Litoral Highway be finished in 2026?
  It depends on the stretch. The new “Surf City 2” highway in the east is already finished. For the widening in La Libertad, the first 4 km stretch is expected to be completed “next year” (2026), while the complete project has an estimated timeline of 18 months from its start in January 2026.
• Will the construction cause road closures?
  It is very likely there will be lane closures or controlled detours during the most intense construction phase in La Libertad, especially starting January 2026. It is recommended to check MOPT (Ministry of Public Works) alerts before traveling.
• Will it improve access to the beaches?
  Absolutely. Both projects have the main objective of facilitating and speeding up access to the beaches, reducing congestion, and offering a safer, more pleasant travel experience.
• Which beaches will directly benefit?
  • In La Libertad: El Obispo, El Sunzal, El Palmarcito, El Zonte (Bitcoin Beach), among others.
  • In the Eastern Zone: The 11 beaches connected by the new “Surf City 2,” including Punta Mango.

💡 Conclusion and Recommendations for Travelers

The year 2026 marks a milestone for El Salvador’s coastal connectivity. While the eastern part of the country already enjoys its new scenic highway, the La Libertad zone is preparing for 18 months of transformation that will result in a widened, modern, and sustainable road.

If you plan to visit the beaches of La Libertad starting in 2026:

1. Check before you leave: Review the road status on official MOPT channels.
2. Anticipate possible delays: During construction, allow for extra time in your itinerary.
3. Support the local economy: The project generates employment and tourism is vital for the area. Visit the restaurants and businesses of the coastal communities.

The commitment to quality road infrastructure and sustainable tourism positions El Salvador as a destination that invites visitors to experience not only its waves and sunsets but also its progress.