Ministry Says Sixto Duran Ballen Bridge Is Stable, But Residents Still Want Answers

The Sixto Duran Ballen bridge has become one of those Cuenca infrastructure stories where the official answer and the neighborhood anxiety are not quite the same thing.

Residents have pointed to visible wear, vibration when heavy vehicles pass, and concern around the bridge columns. Heavy vehicles over 18 tons or in the 2DB classification are not allowed to circulate there.

What The Ministry Says

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport inspected the bridge two weeks ago after a citizen alert about cracks in the central columns. After reviewing technical reports, the ministry concluded that the bridge does not have damage that compromises its stability.

Mario Vintimilla, the ministry's Zonal 6 undersecretary, said the cracks are tied to wear in the covering layer and do not affect structural elements.

As a preventive step, the ministry installed weight-limit signage and asked EMOV EP to reinforce controls against overweight vehicles.

Why Nulti Is Watching Closely

Sebastian Auquilla, president of the Nulti parish board, said the bridge is part of the fast Cuenca-Azogues-Biblian corridor and falls under the ministry's maintenance responsibility.

The local worry is practical: about 6,000 Nulti residents could lose direct access to the Azogues-Cuenca direction of the highway if the structure were affected. Drivers would need to move through Guangarcucho, adding time and cost.

Independent Review Coming

The Asamblea Ciudadana por la Vialidad del Azuay plans to present an independent technical evaluation next week.

Jose Jaramillo, a former ministry undersecretary and member of the group, questioned why authorities say there is no structural problem while restrictions on heavy vehicles remain.

The last major intervention was in 2018, when the road surface was rehabilitated and metal beams were replaced. The ministry is waiting for budget certification to contract maintenance on the Cuenca-Azogues-Biblian corridor, including work on joints, road surface and other bridge elements, with a possible start at the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027.