ATM Will Install a Traffic Light at Via a la Costa Km 14.5 After Pedestrian Safety Protests

Guayaquil's transit authority says a traffic light is coming to a dangerous pedestrian point on Via a la Costa.

Ecuavisa reports that the Autoridad de Transito y Movilidad (ATM) of Guayaquil said it will install a traffic light at kilometer 14.5 after protests over fatal traffic incidents.

Why Residents Protested

Ecuavisa reports that the decision was announced after residents of the 24 de Mayo cooperative protested again over the death of Jaime Pacheco, who was hit on May 13 while trying to cross the road toward his home.

The outlet says residents had complained that there was already municipal approval for an emergency traffic light, but that ATM had not yet carried out the work.

Ecuavisa reports that the km 14.5 stretch connects two communities with about 6,000 people and is used by at least 500 students from a nearby school.

What Expreso Found On The Road

Expreso reports that a fatal pedestrian crash at km 14.5 renewed criticism over the lack of safe pedestrian crossings.

The newspaper says the 24 de Mayo cooperative is surrounded by urbanizations, schools and businesses, but that there is no truly safe pedestrian crossing at that point.

Expreso also reported seeing people crossing quickly and fearfully, with a worn crosswalk and flashing pedestrian warning lights in the area.

What Happens Next

Ecuavisa reports that ATM said the traffic light decision followed work tables and technical analysis with sector leaders and representatives of the Comision de Transito del Ecuador (CTE).

Until the traffic light is installed in the coming days, Ecuavisa says ATM has assigned transit agents permanently in the area.

For road emergencies, ECU 911 says emergency institutions provide service through a single number: 9-1-1. The agency says calls can be made from fixed or mobile phones at no cost, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What This Means For Expats

For people living in Guayaquil's western corridor or driving between Guayaquil and coastal areas, this is a local safety issue worth noting. A traffic light may help, but residents' broader complaint is about pedestrian protection on a high-traffic road.

Sources: Ecuavisa, Expreso, ECU 911