Balbanera-Pallatanga-Cumandá Road Has Restricted Traffic Through June 28

Traffic on the Balbanera-Pallatanga-Cumandá road is restricted from June 22 through June 28, 2026 because of rehabilitation work on several sections of the highway.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport said vehicles will be allowed through from 06:00 to 18:00, with one lane open and alternating traffic every 30 minutes.

A Key Sierra-to-Coast Route

The road is one of the main corridors connecting Ecuador's central Sierra with the Coast. It is used by private vehicles, interprovincial transport and heavy cargo, especially between areas such as Chimborazo and Guayas.

The controlled-traffic points include:

| Sector | Road Section | | --- | --- | | Páramo de Návag | km 10 to km 12 | | Tepeyac Alto | km 14 to km 20 | | Juan de Velasco | km 25 to km 29 | | Trigoloma | km 52 to km 55 | | Los Santiago | km 75 | | Soberana | km 92 | | Cascajal | km 100 |

Authorities are asking drivers to plan trips in advance, expect waiting times during high-demand hours, follow temporary signage and drive preventively near work zones.

What This Means for Expats

If you are driving, taking an interprovincial bus, or moving goods between the Sierra and the Coast this week, build extra time into the trip. The lane system is meant to preserve connectivity, but 30-minute alternating traffic can still create delays.

For anyone traveling between Riobamba, Pallatanga, Guayaquil or nearby routes, the safest plan is to check official road updates before leaving and avoid cutting timing too close for airport, medical or appointment travel.