The $36.2 million project promises to ease congestion, but challenges during construction loom large.

Cuenca is set to witness a major transformation in its transportation infrastructure, with the construction of its first two overpasses on the Monay-IESS traffic interchange. This milestone, part of a broader project to improve road mobility in the city, comes with an investment of $36.2 million. The initiative aims to address chronic congestion, particularly at the heavily trafficked Monay-IESS roundabout, which sees around 80,000 vehicles during rush hours.

The project, financed by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), will involve the construction of two overpasses and an underpass, expected to reduce travel time for commuters on the Cuenca-Azogues highway. The work, slated to begin in August 2025, will unfold in stages, with the Azogues-Cuenca section being the first to see relief. However, the project’s implementation will inevitably disrupt traffic and daily life in the area.

Challenges of Cuenca’s Traffic Infrastructure

Cuenca’s road network has long been characterized by at-grade crossings and roundabouts, many of which are now struggling to accommodate the growing volume of vehicles. As the city’s population and vehicle fleet grow faster than the general population—at a rate of 3.5% annually compared to 1.1% for the population—the strain on the infrastructure has become more evident.

In the past, road expansions, such as the one initiated in 2018, aimed to alleviate the traffic pressure from the 18,000 vehicles traversing the city each day. However, by 2025, the traffic volume is expected to surpass 58,000 vehicles per day, a figure that highlights the urgency of these new projects.

The Monay-IESS Roundabout: A Key Focus

The Monay-IESS roundabout is a critical juncture in the Cuenca-Azogues highway system. Besides being a key access point to the IESS ‘José Carrasco Arteaga’ Hospital, it serves as the main link for several parishes, including El Valle, Paccha, and Nulti, and facilitates the movement of commuters between Cuenca and Azogues.

However, the roundabout’s capacity has long been insufficient to handle the increasing flow of traffic. In response, local authorities are planning a comprehensive overhaul that includes the construction of two overpasses and an underpass to divert traffic more efficiently and reduce congestion.

Details of the Overpass and Underpass Construction

The upcoming construction will span two kilometers, focusing on the stretch from the Hospital del Río sector to the Santa Ana cemetery. The project will be completed in two stages, with the first stage focusing on the Azogues-Cuenca section, which will provide temporary relief before the second stage connects the Cuenca-Azogues route.

The specifics of the project include the construction of two three-lane bridges that will cross over the roundabout. These will serve vehicles traveling in both directions on the Cuenca-Azogues highway. Additionally, the roundabout will remain in place but be reconfigured to accommodate traffic from the Monay-Baguanchi road. A new underpass will also be constructed near the IESS hospital on Cuzco Street, providing a direct route for drivers traveling from downtown Cuenca to Azogues.

Traffic Management Plans During Construction

The construction project is expected to cause significant disruptions, and a detailed mobility plan has been put in place to minimize these impacts. Several measures will be taken to ensure traffic continues to flow, including road closures, detours, and traffic redirections.

Some of the major aspects of the plan include:

• Traffic diversion from the Azogues-Cuenca route to Avenida 24 de Mayo
• Reconfiguration of the Rayoloma Street and Max Uhle roundabouts
• Creation of additional lanes in the critical areas, such as the El Valle exit and Gapal roundabout
• Pedestrian safety measures, including barriers and new traffic light configurations

In anticipation of the disruption, early-stage works, such as the removal of flowerbeds and the creation of new lanes, have already begun.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Progress with Disruption

While the long-term benefits of the overpass construction are clear—improved traffic flow, reduced travel times, and enhanced safety—residents and commuters must brace for significant short-term inconveniences. With the project expected to last for at least two years, Cuenca’s first overpasses will not only mark a historic moment in the city’s development but also test the resilience of its citizens and infrastructure.