Traffic delays were reported over the weekend along one of Quito’s busiest corridors, as municipal crews carried out tree removal work for safety reasons.
The intervention is taking place on Simón Bolívar Avenue, between the Primax gas station and the Casa de la Selección, in the Los Granados sector. Authorities scheduled the work from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, following similar activity the day before.
According to the municipality, the trees being removed are located along the edge of a slope and were identified as a potential risk. Officials said the decision was based on technical assessments that determine when vegetation may pose a danger due to instability or deterioration.
The work has required the partial closure of a lane in the north-to-south direction, leading to congestion in the area. Traffic has been backing up particularly after the Cyclist Roundabout, where vehicles begin to merge into fewer lanes.
Drivers experienced significant delays on Saturday, and similar conditions were expected on Sunday as crews continued the operation.
Municipal authorities noted that the removals are being carried out under regulations that require the elimination of dead or hazardous trees. The same rules also call for replacing removed vegetation with native species that provide environmental benefits.
In total, approximately 50 trees are expected to be removed as part of the slope stabilization effort.
While the work is aimed at reducing the risk of landslides or falling trees, it has created short-term disruption for drivers using this key route around the city. Authorities are advising motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, or consider alternate routes while the work is underway.