That Bumpy Ride to Azogues? The Government Says Help Is Coming

If you've been dodging potholes on the Cuenca-Azogues highway lately, you're not alone — and the government has finally noticed.

The stretch between El Valle access and the IESS roundabout has been deteriorating for months: potholes everywhere, damaged median barriers, busted signage, and standing water that pools up around Mall del Río, Gapal, and Challuabamba every time it rains. There's even a concrete overpass above the El Valle access with a visibly destroyed section, plus a dangerously leaning post near the 12 de Octubre roundabout.

Residents Are Fed Up

Local residents didn't mince words. Emma Guanuchi from Santa Teresita, who drives the route daily, says she "rarely sees" any maintenance work despite how heavily trafficked the road is. María Fernández, who works at a cafeteria near the roundabout, says the intersection has become increasingly accident-prone. And Fredy Landi from Quinta Chica says the water accumulation makes his commute home a mess.

What's Being Done

Mario Vintimilla, the Zonal Subsecretary 6 for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, laid out a response plan:

• This month: Pothole patching on the worst sections, with a contract finalized by end of May
• Second half of 2026: Resurfacing with micropavement in critical zones
• Signage: Horizontal and vertical signage repairs
• Drainage: Storm drain replacement and conduit cleaning starting at Mall del Río, extending to Gapal and Challuabamba
• Vegetation: Paute Municipality handling greenery maintenance under an institutional agreement

The Monay Interchange Update

That massive overpass project you've been watching at the Monay intersection? It's at 27% completion after nine months of construction. The Ministry says the Azogues-to-Cuenca direction should open by September 2026, with the Cuenca-to-Azogues segment following. Total investment: over $42 million.

What This Means for You

If you drive to Azogues regularly — for the airport, shopping, or day trips — the short-term fix (pothole patching) should help by June. The bigger improvements won't land until later this year. In the meantime, watch for standing water near Mall del Río and Challuabamba, especially after rain.

Source: El Mercurio