Lima's Vía Expresa Norte project faces delays, resident complaints amid S/401 million construction

Lima's ambitious Vía Expresa Norte project, designed to ease traffic and extend the Metropolitano bus system to northern districts, is progressing amid significant disruptions and resident concerns. The S/401.30 million initiative aims to widen Avenida Universitaria over 8.7 kilometers, incorporating new lanes, overpasses, and cycling infrastructure.

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the project registers an advance of 58.26% and an updated investment of S/ 401.30 million.

Currently, the closure of Avenida Universitaria between José Granda and Tomás Valle has rerouted approximately 30 public transport lines, intensifying congestion on alternative routes. Local community leaders are urging EMAPE, the municipal development company, to alter a critical section of the project between Avenida Tomás Valle and José Granda, citing potential design flaws related to the area's width.

EMAPE reports the project is 58.26% complete and remains on schedule for a first-quarter 2027 finish. However, a Ministry of Economy and Finance report indicates construction has lagged behind the planned timeline since October 2025. This deviation, which widened in November and continued into early 2026, led to the project being classified as "delayed."

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the work continues according to schedule and the integral completion is planned for the first quarter of 2027.

Construction is currently focused on earthmoving and building walls for the exclusive Metropolitano lanes. Future phases include four overpasses. The project has also encountered challenges with existing infrastructure, such as high-voltage lines and utility networks, necessitating design modifications.

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the project began to fall below what was programmed since October 2025.