From Dream to Reality: How the Cusco Via Expresa Avenue is Transforming Mobility in the City

The project’s journey was far from easy. Several teams worked tirelessly for years, navigating complex political and technical obstacles. What could simply have been a traditional expressway was transformed into something extraordinary—a mobility corridor designed for everyone. “We had a say in the design and recruitment aspects and made sure that the communities were engaged and benefited from social and environmental protection,” explains Ramon Munoz-Raskin, one of the key project leaders on the World Bank side. Working hand in hand with local authorities, an equitable, urban-friendly solution was created to replace an initial proposal for a 5.7-kilometer expressway.

On opening day, the transformation was palpable. The street came alive—a neighborhood block party-like atmosphere with hundreds of local residents celebrating the long-awaited achievement. Each element of the Cusco Via Expresa Avenue tells a story of progress: fresh asphalt with clear lane markings, a separate bike lane, sidewalks with ramps connecting to doors and garages, efficient drainage systems, functional traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings with push-button signals.

Young trees and blooming shrubs added greenery to the cityscape, while bus stops with seating, mini gyms, playgrounds for children, lighting, trash bins, and even a drinking fountain were proof positive of an integrated and thoughtful urban design.

Yang Chen, who has been the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the project since 2023, was touched by the community’s reaction. “Seeing children, women, cyclists, buses, and vehicles all moving along the new Via Expresa Avenue brought tears to our eyes,” she recalled. The project was more than mere infrastructure—it was about restoring dignity and creating opportunities for all residents. Accessibility features ensured that everyone, regardless of age or mobility, could navigate the new corridor comfortably and safely.

This extremely technically complex project entailed years of work dedicated to solving challenges such as electrical interference, managing drainage systems, and creating synergies between different urban spaces. Multiple teams—technical, environmental, social, financial, procurement, legal, and administrative—collaborated to turn this vision into reality.

For the people of Cusco, this is a 40-year dream come true. The Via Expresa Avenue isn’t just an urban corridor; it’s also a symbol of hope, progress, and community resilience. It represents a new way of thinking about urban development—one that prioritizes people, sustainability, and inclusive design.

This project serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved when development institutions, local authorities, and communities work together with patience, creativity, and a shared vision. The Cusco Via Expresa Avenue is more than an infrastructure project; it’s a roadmap for transformative urban development.