Quito avenue rehabilitation reaches Ponceano, triggers contraflow traffic

Rehabilitation work on Quito's Galo Plaza Lasso Avenue is moving into the Ponceano sector, marking a new phase in the extensive road improvement project. Starting from 9:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the construction will focus on the stretch between De los Arupos Street and the Carcelén Terminal.

This latest stage of the project is expected to last for three months and will necessitate traffic management measures, including a contraflow system. The initiative is designed to benefit approximately 100,000 residents across 26 neighborhoods in northern Quito, including areas like Carcelén Libre, Ponceano Alto, La Ofelia, Parque Bicentenario, La Kennedy, and California Alta.

The construction will proceed in stages, initially focusing on the northbound lanes from De los Arupos Street to Sebastián Moreno, then continuing towards Juan de Selis Avenue, and finally reaching the Carcelén Interchange. The overall project encompasses 7.04 kilometers of new road structure, featuring concrete pavement on the outer lanes between Carcelén and El Labrador to enhance durability.

During this phase, drivers will navigate using a contraflow system on the south-northbound roadway where a central lane is unavailable. The Metropolitan Transit Agency (AMT) has established this measure to maintain traffic flow. Key intersections, including those at De los Arupos, Del Maestro Avenue, Luis G. Tufiño Avenue, Capitán Alfonso Yépez, and Capitán Ramón Borja, will remain open to facilitate connections with Real Audiencia Avenue and 6 de Diciembre Avenue.

Public transportation routes will also be adjusted. Southbound public transport units will reroute via De los Pinos Street, 6 de Diciembre Avenue, De los Fresnos Street, and Eloy Alfaro Avenue before resuming their regular routes. Some sections, such as the north-south lateral lane between De los Arupos and Porfirio Romero, have already been completed and are open. The southbound lanes will be progressively opened in the coming weeks as concrete work concludes.