MTOP watch: CRBC contract, Riobamba, Ambato, Zamora-Gualaquiza roads

Ecuador's transport and public works ministry ( MTOP) has signed a contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to carry out upgrades on the Pifo-Papallacta highway in the Amazon region. The company will carry out expansion work on some 36km as well as construction of the Tambo bridge, a press release from the ministry reads. Work entails expanding the road to a four-lane highway, which connects the country's central-northern regions with the Amazon region. Total investment for the project will be some US$23.8mn and construction is scheduled to be completed in 12 months. *** MTOP expects to carry out improvement works on the Cirvunvalación avenue of central Chimborazo province's capital, Riobamba. The ministry recently completed the studies to determine the project's needs, and is currently in the reviewing and approval stages, a press release reads. Work entails improvement and rehabilitation on the 22km road to improve traffic flow, with total investment reaching some US$26.4mn, benefiting some 300,000 people. *** MTOP has also signed a contract with construction company Duayine to carry out stability works on the slopes of the bypass of the city of Ambato, located in Ecuador's central region. Work entails measures to prevent rock slides, and involves the installment of metallic nets and concrete walls, a press release from the ministry reads. Work is expected to take 24 months to complete, with total investment reaching US$18.8mn. *** Finally, MTOP has finished paving 40km on the Zamora-Gualaquiza highway located between Zamora Chinchipe and Morona Santiago provinces. The project entails carrying out maintenance work on the 115km road, with total investment of some US$15.6mn, scheduled to be completed in four years, a press release from MTOP reads.