A proposal has been put forward in Ecuador for a new road link connecting the port of Guayaquil with Duran. The 44km road project would also include the construction of a 2.8km bridge spanning the River Guayas. Building this new link is expected to cost US$1.14 billion in all. The proposal is now being considered by Ecuador’s Ministry for Transport and Public Works (MTOP).
Should the project go ahead, the road link would connect with the Puerto Inca-Naranjal road, improving transport to and from the port of Guayaquil. The bridge would be the longest in Ecuador. Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest port, so boosting its transport links will help develop the country’s economy as a whole. The proposed road and bridge link will also improve transport between the port and Ecuador’s capital, Quito, which lies to the north.