Chile highway construction works planned

The Chilean Government is planning a series of major highway projects with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) managing the works. The plans call for 14 concessions worth a total of US$3.74 billion to be awarded by January 2018. The second stage of Americo Vespucio Oriente highway (AVO 2) is costing $800 million and is a priority project. This has been delayed already and opening of the route is now expected for 2022. Five regional highways are also opening for tender, including the Ruta G-21 road link, whic
May 12, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
The 968 Chilean Government is planning a series of major highway projects with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) managing the works. The plans call for 14 concessions worth a total of US$3.74 billion to be awarded by January 2018. The second stage of Americo Vespucio Oriente highway (AVO 2) is costing $800 million and is a priority project. This has been delayed already and opening of the route is now expected for 2022. Five regional highways are also opening for tender, including the Ruta G-21 road link, which was also delayed.


And design study has been carried out for the upgrade of the road between La Serena and Vicuna. The plans call for the route to widened, with twin lanes in either direction. The existing route is proving unable to cope with the current traffic load and has serious structural issues. The Coquimbo area will also see preparatory works for the Agua Negra tunnel project, which will connect Chile with Argentina. The tunnel should take 10 years to complete.

Meanwhile the tender process for the Camino de la Fruta road project will now open in July 2017, although it was originally intended to commence in April 2017. The contract for the $600 million road project will be awarded before the current administration leaves office in March 2018.

Road Structures

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Chile-Argentina tunnel project moving ahead
    June 26, 2014
    So far 18 companies have been registered as eligible for tenders in the Agua Negra Tunnel project, which will link Argentina with Chile. The tender process is commencing for the project in the second half of 2014. The new tunnel will provide a better alternative to existing routes connecting the two countries through the Andes Mountain range at present. One of the existing routes is through a high mountain pass, which is frequently blocked due to poor weather while being unsuitable for heavy vehicles. The o
    Read More
  • East Africa drives towards road tolling
    March 18, 2016
    Road tolling is increasing in East Africa as the region’s countries expand highway networks - Shem Oirere writes. The drive towards road tolling in East Africa is gaining momentum. Uganda appears to have broken ranks with its neighbours to make huge strides in achieving progress with this innovative road financing plan. Road tolling has hitherto has been held back in East Africa for lack of political goodwill and State bureaucracies. Kenyan government officials have made announcements on planned road tollin
    Read More
  • Chile’s growing traffic volumes are a growing problem
    May 9, 2016
    Chile’s growing traffic volumes are creating a growing problem for traffic management. In many urban areas in Chile congestion is increasing at a rapid rate. Capital Santiago is afflicted particularly badly in this respect. Traffic jams are now frequent on the main interurban routes in Chile, especially on toll roads, and the number of vehicles travelling on these roads continues to rise month after month, leading to major concern.
    Read More
  • Chile-Argentina Agua Negra Tunnel latest news
    September 28, 2017
    Interest is strong in the project to build the Agua Negra Tunnel, which will connect Chile and Argentina. So far 10 consortia have been pre-selected to enter the bidding process for the project. However Ebitan, the joint Chilean/Agentinian commission with responsibility for the project has said it will not release the names of the consortia that have been pre-selected until November 2017 instead.
    Read More

Highlighted Content