Gapal Interchange Award Delayed Amid Bidder Claims in Cuenca, Road Studies Progress in Azuay

The Ministry of Transport and Technology (MIT) has encountered delays in awarding the construction contract for the new Gapal traffic interchange in Cuenca. The deadline for awarding this significant infrastructure project was set for September 17, 2026, according to the entity's resolution. However, as of the current date, the name of the successful bidder has not yet been defined.

The delay is primarily attributed to claims submitted by some of the participating bidders. On September 17, 2026, the Consorcio del Sur, one of the five accepted bidders, submitted a claim to the MIT. This claim specifically requested a review of the methodology used for qualifying economic offers and highlighted potential disqualifications of certain bidders. Furthermore, two days prior, on September 15, 2026, another bidder also presented a claim concerning the method employed for the qualification of offers.

Records from the Public Procurement Service (Sercop) indicate that proposals from five bidders were accepted for the construction of the new Gapal interchange. Among these, four are consortia, and one is a single company. This project represents the second interchange the current government plans to implement in Cuenca, following the Monay – IESS interchange, which has already opened one of its two elevated bridges.

The new Gapal interchange is designed as a two-level road infrastructure. The project has a referential budget, excluding VAT, of 21,029,090.54 dollars, with an estimated execution period of 540 days. Once completed, its management will be overseen by international organizations.

In related infrastructure news, the Ministry of Transport has also initiated a process to contract definitive studies for the stabilization of specific sections of the Paute – Guarumales – Méndez road. This vital route connects Azuay with the Ecuadorian East. The studies will focus on kilometers 61, 87, and 95, specifically within the San Pablo – Quebrada Guayaquil section. A referential budget of 171,397.54 dollars has been allocated for this consultancy. The winning bidder for these studies will have a period of 45 days to deliver the results.

What This Means for Expats

For foreign residents in Cuenca and the broader Azuay province, these developments signal ongoing efforts in infrastructure improvement, albeit with some procedural delays. The Gapal interchange, once completed, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and connectivity within Cuenca, potentially reducing travel times and enhancing urban mobility. While the current delay due to bidder claims is a procedural step, it underscores the complexities of large-scale public works projects. Expats who drive or use public transport in Cuenca may experience continued traffic patterns in the affected areas until the project moves forward. The long-term benefits, however, include a more efficient road network. The studies for the Paute – Guarumales – Méndez road are also important for regional connectivity, particularly for those who travel between Azuay and the eastern parts of Ecuador. Improved road stability on this route could lead to safer and more reliable travel experiences in the future.

Sources: elmercurio.com.ec; elmercurio.com.ec.

Image: existing site image, illustrative.