Ruta Viva to undergo roadworks during back-to-school period in Quito

Commuters in Quito face significant disruptions as major roadworks commence on the Ruta Viva, a vital artery connecting the capital with its eastern valleys and the Mariscal Sucre International Airport. The maintenance project, which began on August 15, 2026, coincides with the start of the school year for students in the Sierra and Amazon regions, impacting over 90,000 daily users.

The Empresa Pública Metropolitana de Movilidad y Obras Públicas (Epmmop) is undertaking the extensive rehabilitation across five distinct sections of the Ruta Viva. The work involves the complete removal and replacement of the deteriorated asphalt surface, along with upgrades to horizontal and vertical signage and the installation of informational radar systems. Epmmop states the goal is to improve circulation and enhance road safety.

Three sections of the Ruta Viva began simultaneous interventions, with each section requiring an estimated 12 to 13 days of work. Franklin Sánchez, Epmmop's Public Works Manager, indicated that the initial three sections are projected to take about 75 days to complete, with the entire project slated for 125 days.

While the works will not result in complete road closures, they necessitate partial closures and the implementation of contraflows during peak hours. Traffic agents will manage contraflows between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Drivers heading to the airport are advised to use alternative routes, such as Avenida Oswaldo Guayasamín and Vía Collas. The Ruta Viva has also been a site of frequent accidents, recording 87 traffic incidents in 2025, making it one of the city's most dangerous roads.

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The objective consists of recovering the conditions of circulation and reinforcing road safety.