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๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡จ Ecuador /Environment & Climate

Guayaquil Tunnels to Close Nights for Flood Prevention Maintenance

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Guayaquil's Cerro del Carmen and Santa Ana tunnels will close nightly for maintenance from August 3 to August 27.
  • The closures, from 11 PM to 5 AM, aim to prevent flooding by maintaining the drainage system ahead of the El Niรฑo phenomenon.
  • Drivers are advised to use alternate routes such as Av. Machala, Av. Quito, and Av. Malecรณn Simรณn Bolรญvar.

Guayaquil is implementing nightly closures of the Cerro del Carmen and Santa Ana tunnels from August 3 to August 27 to conduct essential maintenance on their drainage systems. The closures, scheduled between 11 PM and 5 AM, are a proactive measure to prevent potential flooding during the upcoming rainy season and the anticipated El Niรฑo phenomenon.

The Agency of Transit and Mobility (ATM) announced that this preventive work is crucial for ensuring the optimal functioning of the tunnels' stormwater evacuation capabilities. By maintaining the infrastructure, authorities aim to avoid water accumulation that could jeopardize driver safety.

The Directorate General of Public Works, under the Guayaquil Municipality, is leading these efforts. Drivers are urged to plan their routes accordingly and utilize suggested alternatives, including Av. Machala, Av. Quito, and Av. Malecรณn Simรณn Bolรญvar, depending on their direction of travel. The tunnels will remain open during daytime hours and throughout the weekends.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Comercio in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.