Works on Amazonas Avenue in northern Quito begin August 14 without road closures

Quito's Municipality has scheduled the start of construction for the extension of Amazonas Avenue for August 14, 2026. This significant infrastructure project will add 2.21 kilometers to the avenue, linking the former Mariscal Sucre airport site with Luis Tufiño Avenue. Crucially, the construction is planned to proceed without any road closures, as the new route will be built on land that does not interfere with current traffic flow. A safety perimeter will be maintained around the Bicentennial Park, which the avenue will border.

The project carries an estimated budget of $7 million, with the construction company given a 210-day deadline. Work will be continuous, spanning both day and night shifts, with the aim of completing the new artery by the first quarter of the following year. The avenue will be paved with rigid concrete, chosen for its durability and an estimated lifespan of 20 years.

The approved design for the 36.80-meter-wide avenue includes four traffic lanes (two in each direction) and designated stops for public transportation. A 4-meter-wide green median will separate the traffic, complemented by a 5-meter sidewalk on the side opposite the park. Additionally, an 8.20-meter landscaped boulevard will enhance the area's aesthetics, and a 2.50-meter asphalted cycle path with protective curbs will run alongside Bicentennial Park.

Currently, the northern sector of Quito experiences daily traffic volumes between 14,000 and 19,000 vehicles, leading to congestion at the intersections with La Prensa and Luis Tufiño avenues. Traffic studies project that the new Amazonas Avenue extension will alleviate this by reducing daily traffic by an estimated 4,000 vehicles at these key junctions, thereby shortening travel times for residents and commuters. Once operational, the avenue will be bidirectional with a speed limit of 50 km/h, featuring three main intersections at Amazonas Avenue, Luis Tufiño Avenue, and Gualaquiza Street to manage traffic flow.