The Southern Viaduct project in Guayaquil has faced significant delays and lack of progress over the past three decades, primarily due to bureaucratic hurdles within the Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP), now transitioned to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The project, designed by the consulting firms Nuques and Luque and Consulsísmica in 2009, was shelved for nearly ten years and failed to attract interest when put to public tender in 2018 under former President Lenín Moreno, resulting in the tender being declared deserted.

The article reflects on a personal experience shared by the author, who learned about the project's benefits during a 2021 conversation with the deceased chief designer, Ing. Ottón Lara Montiel. Montiel was a respected figure in construction and provided insight into the potential advantages of the Southern Viaduct, which aims to improve traffic and connectivity in Guayaquil. The author's reminiscence highlights the historical significance of the project and the longstanding frustrations faced by local constructors and stakeholders.

As the infrastructure ministry has changed its focus and structure, there are concerns that the situation regarding the Southern Viaduct may not improve, compounded by the government’s limited interest in reviving such stalled projects. This reflection prompts discussions on the future of urban infrastructure in Ecuador, the ongoing challenges in the transportation sector, and the impact on urban mobility in Guayaquil if such necessary projects are left unaddressed.