Tram work making up lost time Correa in town today

Project managers and Cuenca transportation officials say that extended working hours and the addition of more workers are helping make up lost time in the construction of Cuenca’s light rail system. In June, officials said the project was four to six months behind schedule.

Construction is concentrated on Av. Las Americas between the Camino Viejo Baños and the Rio Tomebamba bridge, and Av. España near the airport and central bus station and involves the tram runway and foundation, and installation of underground utilities. According to contractors, workers will start laying track by the end of the year.

The city transportation office advises the public that the project will continue to cause major traffic disruptions due to closures of intersections and lanes.

The tram, or Tranvía de los Cuatros Rios, is scheduled to be completed in mid-2016. The project is managed by the French consortium GME-CITA while equipment, including rails and rolling stock, is provided by the French company Alstom.

Photo caption: Workers building the tramway on Av. Las Americas.