Asunción's "Plan Asu 400 cuadras" causes traffic chaos
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Traffic in Asunción has become a daily ordeal due to poorly planned roadworks.
- Drivers lose nearly 40 minutes daily on a 10-kilometer stretch, with cars moving slower than pedestrians in critical zones.
- The
The "Plan Asu 400 cuadras" initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Luis Bello, has devolved into a daily nightmare for Asunción's residents. What was intended to improve the city's infrastructure has instead created unprecedented traffic chaos, particularly along Eusebio Ayala and Azara streets. Our ABC Color team's on-the-ground reporting, including meticulous timing of the commute, reveals a stark reality: drivers are losing up to 40 minutes on a mere 10-kilometer journey. In some critical sections, vehicles crawl at a mere 5.6 km/h, a pace slower than a pedestrian's walk.
the chaos vehicular obliges motorists to advance slower than a pedestrian.
This gridlock is a direct consequence of what appears to be a severe lack of foresight in the planning and execution of these roadworks. The "Plan Asu 400 cuadras," meant to modernize 400 blocks of the city, has become a symbol of inefficiency. The bottleneck on Eusebio Ayala, far from being resolved, has worsened, compounded by ongoing construction on Azara street. This creates a 'road trap' that paralyzes traffic and frustrates commuters.
the initial bottleneck registered on Eusebio Ayala avenue has not only not ceased, but has become even more critical.
While a brief respite is found between R.I. 18 Pitiantuta and Pettirossi, allowing for a slightly higher speed, this is merely a temporary illusion before the inevitable congestion in the city center. The situation on Azara street, even without forced detours, sees traffic moving at a sluggish 19 km/h due to existing commercial activity. The "velocímetro de la vergüenza" (speedometer of shame) accurately captures the public's sentiment. This situation highlights a critical disconnect between the city's development plans and the daily lived experience of its citizens, turning simple commutes into arduous battles.
we circulate at 5 km/h on Eusebio Ayala
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.