The Fifth Guayas Bridge advances: a key project for Ecuador's development

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, marked the beginning of an emblematic project for Ecuador: the construction of the Fifth Guayas Bridge.

In a symbolic ceremony held in Yaguachi, President Daniel Noboa and the Prefect of Guayas, Marcela Aguiñaga, formalized the start of the works for the access roads to this infrastructure, which promises to transform the country's connectivity and competitiveness.

President Noboa spared no words to highlight the importance of this work. "Today we begin the materialization of a dream that represents employment, development, and well-being for all Ecuadorians. This project couldn't wait any longer," he stated, alluding to the years of delay the bridge's construction suffered, despite initial studies dating back to 2009.

The Minister of Transportation and Public Works, Roberto Luque, detailed that  the National Government has allocated USD 120 million to the Prefecture of Guayas  for the first sections of access to the bridge, with a total investment projected at USD 800 million.

Additionally, he highlighted that the project has sparked interest among international investors thanks to its inclusion in the Public-Private Investment Secretariat.

The Fifth Bridge will have a length of 23.8 kilometers (14.8 miles) and will feature four lanes (two in each direction). Its main objective is to connect the southern port terminals of Guayaquil with the main road corridors to key provinces such as El Oro, Azuay, Chimborazo, Los Ríos, Pichincha, and Tungurahua.

This project will significantly reduce travel times, optimize logistics costs, and promote national and international trade.

Prefect Marcela Aguiñaga emphasized the importance of collaboration between different levels of government. "These works mean progress and prosperity for Ecuadorians, in addition to reactivating the economy of our communities," she noted.

Meanwhile, leaders of the transportation sector, like Fanny Mosquera,  celebrated the start of the work and described it as "a historic day." According to Mosquera, this infrastructure responds to urgent needs for mobility and modernization of the road system.

The construction of the Fifth Bridge will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs during its two years of execution, benefiting more than 47,000 inhabitants of the province of Guayas and surrounding cantons. Additionally, a significant economic reactivation is expected throughout the region, consolidating Guayas as a hub of logistical and commercial development.