The Ecuadorian government announced on April 30 that the rehabilitation of the Guayaquil–Riobamba road, specifically the Balbanera–Pallatanga–Cumandá section, has reached 20 percent completion. The project is described as a key effort to improve connectivity between the Sierra and Costa regions.
The initiative involves an investment of over USD 47 million and covers more than 106 kilometers. It is expected to benefit more than 450,000 people and boost economic activity in tourism, commerce, agriculture, livestock, and artisanal sectors.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), this project aims to restore a road that has suffered from years of neglect by previous administrations. The route serves as an alternative for cargo and passenger transport between Sierra and Costa regions, helping reduce congestion on the Alóag–Santo Domingo highway.
Work being carried out includes sealing cracks, addressing critical points along the route, installing horizontal and vertical signage, slope stabilization work, construction of rigid pavement sections, sewer installation, asphalt paving, and routine maintenance. These measures are intended to improve safety conditions for all users.
Gladys Velasco, MIT’s subsecretary for zone 3 said: “We are working to improve road infrastructure quality for citizens’ lives and greater development for Chimborazo province as well as Guayas province—and indeed all of Ecuador.”
The project is scheduled for completion within a period of 45 months with financing provided by Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina y El Caribe (CAF). Officials say it will generate around 250 direct jobs and another 300 indirect jobs during its execution phase.
