Quito's Panamericana Norte Is Partially Closed Through June 5 — Here Are Your Alternate Routes

If you drive through northern Quito, heads up: Panamericana Norte has partial lane closures starting May 7 that will run through early June.

The Metropolitan Public Company for Mobility and Public Works (Epmmop) is conducting road rehabilitation work on two sections of the highway.

What's Closed

Section 1 — May 7 through June 5

• Direction: Southbound to northbound
• From: The elevated bridge at 9 de Agosto Street to Lizardo Becerra Street
• Lateral lanes closed, central lanes remain open

Section 2 — May 7 through May 21

• Direction: Northbound to southbound
• From: Lizardo Becerra Street to the 9 de Agosto Street bridge
• Lateral lanes closed, central lanes remain open

Important: The 9 de Agosto elevated overpass toward Calderón remains fully operational throughout.

Alternate Routes

If heading southbound to northbound: Use Pedro de la Gasca → Carapungo → Landázuri → Bonanza → José Miguel Guarderas

If heading northbound to southbound: Use Lizardo Becerra → Carapungo → Colonia

What This Means for Expats

If you live in Calderón, Carapungo, or northern Quito: Build extra time into your commute. The lateral lane closures will slow traffic even though central lanes remain open. The first two weeks (through May 21) will be the worst, with both directions under construction simultaneously.

If you're driving to the airport: These closures are north of the city center and shouldn't directly affect the Mariscal Sucre International Airport route via the Ruta Viva or E35 south. But cascading traffic from diverted vehicles may add delays to connected roads.

If you use ride-share or taxi: Expect higher fares during peak hours as drivers navigate detours. Consider the Trole or Ecovía for north-south trips during the construction period.

The Agencia Metropolitana de Tránsito (AMT) is managing traffic control for the duration.

Source: Teleamazonas, Expreso