Quito starts roadworks in Historic Centre on 20 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 05:59 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Road rehabilitation will affect Historic Centre of Quito (Centro Histórico de Quito) from 20 October 2026, when the municipal programme is scheduled to move to Bolívar Street. The work forms part of a wider Quito roadworks phase linked to routes serving the San Francisco and La Carolina Metro stations.
Bolívar Street roadworks begin in Quito on 20 October
The municipality’s programme covers 13 streets in the centre and northern parts of Quito. The works are being carried out in stages to organise pedestrian and vehicle connections rather than closing every access route at the same time.
The first central phase covers Carchi Street between Cuenca and Sebastián de Benalcázar, and Imbabura Street between Rocafuerte and Babahoyo. Those works are scheduled from 3 to 19 October 2026. From 20 October 2026, machinery is due to move to Bolívar Street in the historic centre. The programme is set out in the municipal roadworks notice.
Historic Centre routes are being managed in stages
The roadworks concern connections used to reach the central Metro network. The municipality identifies San Francisco station as one of the destinations supported by the programme, making the street sequence relevant to visitors approaching the old city by public transport.
For the Imbabura works, traffic is scheduled to use Babahoyo towards Mejía, or Mariscal Sucre Avenue through the San Roque and San Juan tunnels. Benalcázar, Rubén Darío and Cuenca are listed as alternative routes around the Carchi works. These arrangements are part of a staged plan for the historic centre, not a permanent change to the street network.
The link between the road programme and the landmark is especially direct on Bolívar Street. Its scheduled start on 20 October 2026 places the next phase inside the centre’s principal historic street area, while the earlier work on Carchi and Imbabura affects approaches used to circulate around it. The published street schedule also lists the alternative routes and the Metro connections.
Quito roadworks connect the old city with the Metro
The programme is not limited to one historic street. Other stages cover roads in La Pradera and around La Carolina, while additional works are listed between La República and the northern district. This wider sequence explains why the municipality presents the project as a connection programme for the Metro rather than as an isolated repair on Bolívar Street.
For travellers, the practical consequence is that an approach through the old city may require following a signed diversion, particularly when moving between Carchi, Imbabura and Bolívar. The listed alternatives include both ordinary city streets and the San Roque and San Juan tunnels, so the route can change according to the active work section.
Visiting Historic Centre of Quito: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Roadworks are scheduled on Bolívar Street from 20 October 2026. Carchi and Imbabura are scheduled for work from 3 to 19 October 2026.
- Access is being managed in stages, with Benalcázar, Rubén Darío, Cuenca, Babahoyo and Mariscal Sucre listed as alternative routes for the affected sections.
- The works relate to connections towards San Francisco Metro station, while the wider programme also covers routes towards La Carolina station.
- Travellers using the historic centre should expect changing vehicle routes around Carchi, Imbabura and Bolívar, with the San Roque and San Juan tunnels included in the published alternatives.
- Ecuador’s official language is Spanish and its national currency is the US dollar.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Historic Centre of Quito
What has changed at Historic Centre of Quito?
A staged road rehabilitation programme is affecting central routes. Work is scheduled to move to Bolívar Street on 20 October 2026 after works on Carchi and Imbabura from 3 to 19 October 2026.
Where is Historic Centre of Quito and how do you get there?
It is in Quito, Ecuador, with the programme linked to routes serving San Francisco Metro station. Published alternatives include Benalcázar, Rubén Darío, Cuenca, Babahoyo, Mariscal Sucre Avenue and the San Roque and San Juan tunnels.
Which roads are included in the Quito roadworks?
The central sections named in the programme are Carchi, Imbabura and Bolívar, alongside roads in La Pradera, La Carolina and the area between La República and northern Quito.
