Cuenca–Azogues highway opens first elevated passage

A new 1.5-kilometer elevated passage has opened on the Cuenca–Azogues highway as part of the Monay–IESS Traffic Distributor project. The structure is currently operating temporarily in the Cuenca–Azogues direction to facilitate northbound traffic flow while construction continues on the rest of the interchange.

The project, which involves an investment exceeding USD 40 million, has reached 45% physical progress. The full infrastructure plan includes a second three-lane bridge, a 470-meter depressed passage, road widening, and modernized lighting and signaling. The complete project is scheduled for delivery in August 2027 and is expected to benefit over one million residents in the Azuay and Cañar regions.

Due to the opening of this first phase, the Cuenca Mobility Management Directorate (DGM) has implemented several traffic changes. Drivers traveling toward Azogues must use a specific ramp located near Calle Quiteño Libre to access the elevated passage. Additional rerouting affects access to the Monay-Baguanchi road and movements near the IESS hospital area.