DistantNews
Support us

Panamericana Norte closures begin Sunday, June 21

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Road closures will begin on Panamericana Norte in Quito on Sunday, June 21, 2026, between the Carcelén Interchange and Del Hierro street.
  • These closures are part of a road infrastructure improvement project involving asphalt regeneration.
  • A dynamic contraflow system will be implemented to mitigate traffic flow disruptions during the rehabilitation work.

Starting Sunday, June 21, 2026, a section of Panamericana Norte in Quito will experience road closures due to essential rehabilitation work. The affected stretch runs between the Carcelén Interchange and Del Hierro street, impacting traffic flow in the northern part of the city.

The closures are part of a broader project to enhance road infrastructure. The work will focus on regenerating the asphalt surface along approximately one kilometer. This involves milling the existing surface, stabilizing the ground, and applying a new high-traffic asphalt layer. The goal is to improve circulation on one of the capital's busiest arteries and ensure adequate standards for vehicle movement.

To manage the expected traffic disruptions, authorities will implement a dynamic contraflow system. This flexible system will adjust to real-time traffic demand. During peak hours heading north, two lanes will be allocated for this direction. Conversely, if there's a surge in southbound traffic, two lanes on the adjacent road will be repurposed, clearly marked with safety barriers.

This measure aims to maintain connectivity despite the restriction of three main lanes. Once the work is completed, the section will be fully reopened, restoring direct access to Calle N76 and enabling left turns, which is expected to significantly reduce travel times for regular commuters in the area.

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.