Chilean highway project faces questions

The plans for Chile's new Vespucio Oriente highway are under a question mark at present. The Chilean Construction Chamber (CChC) and the association of concession-holders (COPSA) have raised concerns over the plans by the country's government to press ahead with the construction of the 13km Vespucio Oriente highway in capital Santiago.
February 14, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The plans for Chile's new Vespucio Oriente highway are under a question mark at present. The 2608 Chilean Construction Chamber (CChC) and the association of concession-holders (2609 COPSA) have raised concerns over the plans by the country's government to press ahead with the construction of the 13km Vespucio Oriente highway in capital Santiago. However, the 2610 Ministry of Public Works in Chile (MOP) is expected to open a tender process for the project to build the Vespucio Oriente motorway in December 2011. The Vespucio Oriente highway motorway will link the Grecia Avenue and El Salto and is estimated to cost up to US$1.5 billion. But CChC and COPSA have raised concern as the MOP has revealed that it will not carry out around $8 billion of infrastructure improvements considered vital to sustain economic growth. Firms planning to bid for these projects consider it unlikely that the contracts will be awarded in 2012 as scheduled. MOP says that with regard to the Vespucio Oriente highway, the tender process could be opened in December 2011 or early 2012. Meanwhile, 2611 Globalvia Infraestructuras is planning investments of improvements worth $340 million are being planned for the Autopista del Aconcagua highway concession during 2011. This road links Santiago to Los Vilos and work to the first 15km is considered crucial and is expected to cost $163 million. This upgraded link should be open to traffic in 2013-2014. Another major project involves rebuilding the Cuesta de Las Chilcas section, which is expected to cost $70 million. This works will commence at the end of 2011 and is expected to take from 18months- 24 months. In addition, a further $55 million will be spent on improving connections with rural areas, while $16 million will be invested in bridge upgrades and a further $37 million for a series of safety upgrades. This news comes as Chilean president Pinera is revealing plans for transport investments of $11.7 billion in Santiago between 2011 and 2014. The plans include new Transantiago routes and the construction of 600km of exclusive lanes for bicycles. The urban perimeter of Santiago will also be extended to encompass population growth.

Related Content

  • Major Mexican motorway plan in hand
    February 2, 2015
    The Mexican Government plans to invest some US$13.72 billion in all into 46 motorway construction projects. Work on these new routes will be carried out during the current administration. The new motorways come in addition to the 85 motorways operating in 2012, when the current administration entered office. So far 13 new motorways have been built with funds of close to $3.77 billion. The 1.4km Distribuidor Vial Palmira motorway was recently opened inaugurated while the 10 lane Cuernavaca beltway project ha
    Read More
  • GRAA focuses on winning project profile: Brisbane Airport Link, Northern Busway & Airport
    May 19, 2014
    The revolutionary AUD$4.8 billion Airport Link has delivered a landmark infrastructure project for Australia, tackling traffic congestion, enhancing the busway network and removing an infamous traffic bottleneck through an innovative and inspired design. The Airport Link in Brisbane, Australia included three separate projects – the Northern Busway (a 3km two-way dedicated busway), the Airport Roundabout Upgrade and the AirportlinkM7 (a 6.7km toll road including 5.2km of tunnel). Together, they represent the
    Read More
  • Morocco infrastructure study opening for tender
    April 21, 2016
    Morocco is planning a new infrastructure programme. The country’s Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Logistics is introducing a new tender scheme for a study that will be used to establish the national road infrastructure scheme (Snir) by 2035.
    Read More
  • Tender process underway for Polish road projects
    August 18, 2014
    The tender process is underway for two major projects in Poland. One project involves constructing three sections of the new southern ring road around Polish capital Warsaw. Building the 18.5km stretch that comprises the three sections is expected to cost in the region of €1.6 billion. The Polish General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) says that bids have to be submitted by 10th October 2014. The A section will be some 4.6km long, the B section 6.45km long, whilst the C section will be
    Read More

Highlighted Content