Skip to main content

Colombian highway costs spiral

Cost increases are affecting a major highway project in Colombia.
February 15, 2012 Read time: 1 min

Cost increases are affecting a major highway project in Colombia.

The Autopistas de la Montana highway project will cost as much as US$6.8 billion to construct rather than the $3.2 billion originally planned. The highway will run some 1,250km through mountainous areas. The increased cost comes as a result of the need to build more tunnel sections than had been originally envisaged. The tunnels are required to avoid the risk of the highway being closed due to landslides caused by seasonal rainfall and to boost safety for road users.

Related Content

  • Interest strong for Colombia key tunnel project
    January 22, 2019
    Interest is strong in the project to complete Colombia’s key tunnel construction contract. In all 23 firms have shown interest in the package of works to complete the La Linea tunnel project, according to the Colombian national road institute (Invias). The Colombian Government is providing US$204.5 million to complete the project. The current target is for the tunnel to be completed by 2020, although the link was originally supposed to be ready for traffic in late 2016. Construction work on the link commenc
  • Switzerland’s new tunnel bore being built
    April 19, 2018
    A major new road tunnel project is being constructed in Switzerland – Mike Woof writes Construction work is now underway in Switzerland for the new Belchen Tunnel bore, a project that has resulted from the country’s long-term infrastructure planning. The building of this latest tunnel is important for Switzerland economically as it will deliver an upgraded link for a major transport infrastructure connection. When it is complete, the tunnel will form part of the vital A2 route between Basel, in the north
  • Delay for tenders on key Colombian highways
    April 28, 2014
    The tender process has been extended for three highway concession packages in Colombia, according to Business News Americas. The country's national infrastructure agency (ANI) has extended the bid deadlines for the Pacífico 2 (Bolombolo-La Pintada), Pacífico 3 (La Pintada-La Virginia) and Río Magdalena 2 (Remedios-Puerto Berrío) projects. The three highway concessions are worth a total of US$1.2 billion and form part of Colombia’s Autopistas para la Prosperidad highway programme. ANI opted to delay the tend
  • Loaders assist with clearing China road blockage
    October 25, 2016
    Earthmoving machines from XCMG have played an important role in helping clear a road blockage in China A road in China’s Gansu Province became blocked following a period of heavy rain. A landslide on a grass slope at a tunnel portal on National Highway 212 recently caused major traffic delays in the area. The task of clearing up the landslide was made more difficult still by around 500m3 of stone close to the tunnel portal also being moved by the landslide. Another route in the area that carries tourist