El Valle Road Rehabilitation Stalled, Causing Traffic Issues in Cuenca

Commuters and residents in El Valle, one of Cuenca canton's most populated rural parishes, are facing increasing challenges with mobility. The main access road, known as El Camino de El Valle, is experiencing significant issues including road failures, traffic congestion, and problems with public transportation services. This road is a crucial part of the Cuenca-El Valle-Dizha-La Unión route, connecting Cuenca and Sígsig cantons.

The Prefectura del Azuay, responsible for the maintenance of this rural road, initiated a $2.1 million project to rehabilitate the first 9 kilometers of the route, specifically from Colegio Garaicoa to the Auquilula bridge, which includes the El Valle parish seat. However, this vital project has been stalled in the National Public Procurement Service (Sercop) for approximately three months.

Andrea Brito, Secretary of Infrastructure for the Prefectura, stated that the process for resurfacing began in June of this year. Sercop issued observations in July, which were addressed, but a response to resume the contracting process with the public company Asfaltar EP has not yet been received. The delay is also compounded by the closure of the La Virginia mine by the Paute Municipality, which has prevented access to necessary materials for constructing planned retaining walls in areas like El Playón.

Mobility problems have intensified since September with the return to school activities. Critical areas with significant sinkholes include Chilcapamba, El Playón, and the El Valle parish seat. Drivers report particular difficulties at the intersection of El Camino de El Valle and the access to Primero de Enero. This point sees increased traffic from residents of Monay, Baguanchi, and Paccha, who are using the El Valle road to avoid congestion on the Monay-Paccha route due to the ongoing construction of the Monay interchange on the highway.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: existing site image, illustrative.