Gapal Interchange Project Faces Claims Amidst Bidding Process in Cuenca

Cuenca's planned Gapal interchange, a significant infrastructure project, is currently navigating a bidding process that has seen claims filed by some of the prospective contractors. The Ministry of Transport and Technology (MIT) had an estimated deadline of September 17, 2026, to award the contract for this new traffic interchange. However, the name of the winning bidder has not yet been defined.

According to Sercop records, five bidders' proposals were accepted for the construction of the new Gapal interchange. Four of these bidders are consortia, and one is a single company. On September 17, 2026, Consorcio del Sur, one of the bidders, submitted a claim to the MIT. This claim requested, among other things, a review of the methodology used for qualifying economic offers and an assessment of potential disqualifications for certain bidders. Additionally, another bidder filed a similar claim on September 15, 2026, also concerning the offer qualification method.

The Gapal interchange is designed as a two-level road infrastructure. It is expected to feature a bridge facilitating traffic in the Azogues – Cuenca direction, alongside a ground-level road with a roundabout. This roundabout will connect the highway to the residential area of Gapal, aiming to improve local traffic flow and connectivity. The referential budget for the construction of this interchange is 21,029,090.54 dollars (excluding IVA), with an estimated execution period of 540 days.

This project is the second interchange the current government plans to implement in the canton of Cuenca, following the Monay – IESS interchange, which has already opened one of its two elevated bridges. Another interchange is also planned for the coming months at the roundabout of Doce de Octubre avenue and Circunvalación Sur.

In related news for Azuay's connectivity, the Ministry of Transport has also initiated a process to contract definitive studies for the stabilization of kilometers 61, 87, and 95 of the Paute – Guarumales – Méndez road. This road is a vital connection between Azuay and the Ecuadorian East and has faced issues such as a sinkhole at kilometer 61. A referential budget of 171,397.54 dollars is allocated for these consultancy studies, with the winning bidder having 45 days to deliver the results.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: AI-generated illustration.