The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport began preliminary works at kilometer 50 of the Cuenca–Girón–Pasaje road, according to a May 5 announcement. The intervention is part of an emergency contract aimed at addressing a critical point affected by heavy rainfall in the area.
The project seeks to strengthen connectivity between the Sierra and Costa regions, boost commerce, and improve road safety. Paolo Carpio, Vice Minister of Infrastructure, visited the site with technical staff from Zonal 6 of the ministry and representatives from the World Bank consulting team responsible for recent studies identifying critical points along this corridor.
Carpio said that more than USD 1.1 million will be invested as part of the emergency contract to rehabilitate this section and restore full functionality to the route. “The works include stabilization of the lower slope, rainwater drainage, restoration of damaged road structure, installation of a new surface layer, and implementation of horizontal and vertical signage. These actions will improve traffic flow, reinforce road safety, and reduce the risk of further closures,” Carpio said. The execution period for these works is four months.
Authorities say these efforts will directly benefit residents and users by improving mobility between Azuay and El Oro provinces while reducing travel times and supporting transportation for agricultural, commercial, and tourism products.
As part of broader planning efforts, technical studies are underway for complete rehabilitation along all 136 kilometers connecting key regions in Ecuador. Several critical points have been identified due to structural damage or unstable slopes that pose risks to users’ safety or hinder efficient transport.
This corridor has financial support from the World Bank through its Emergency Resilient Reconstruction Program to ensure sustainable projects meeting high technical standards. Officials say these initiatives reaffirm President Daniel Noboa’s commitment to national infrastructure development in what they call “the year of construction,” with multiple projects set to generate jobs and strengthen regional productivity.
