Ordoñez Lasso construction work set to begin in early 2015

Ordoñez Lasso construction to begin in early 2015

Ecuador’s Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP) says it has almost completed right-of-way purchases for the expansion and reconstruction of Av. Ordoñez Lasso and work should begin in February or March 2015.

MTOP says it has completed negotiations for 95% of the right-of-way purchases and will complete payments to property owners of $2.5 million within a month. Of 296 affected property owners, agreements have been reached with 277.

City officials say there is urgency in beginning work since Lasso is deteriorating rapidly. The road, which connects to the highway through the Cajas Mountains on the western edge of Cuenca, is full of pot holes and missing pavement, according to officials.

Guillermo Argudo, Cuenca Public Works Director, says work will begin once all right-of-way issues are resolved. “The current road is in terrible condition and we are moving as fast as possible to start construction.”

The project involves widening the roadway from two to four lanes.