Colombia key tunnel project – new completion date

A new completion date has been set for the La Linea Tunnel project in Colombia. The work should now be finished in late 2020, although the project was originally intended to be ready by late 2016. The various contracts to complete the Cruce de la Cordillera Central route will be awarded in April 2019 by the national road institute (Invias). The contracts will include strict measures to ensure that contractors will comply with all the terms of the deal. The Colombian Government previously allotted US$204.5 m
March 6, 2019 Read time: 2 mins

A new completion date has been set for the La Linea Tunnel project in Colombia. The work should now be finished in late 2020, although the project was originally intended to be ready by late 2016. The various contracts to complete the Cruce de la Cordillera Central route will be awarded in April 2019 by the national road institute (2812 Invias). The contracts will include strict measures to ensure that contractors will comply with all the terms of the deal. The Colombian Government previously allotted US$204.5 million to complete the work.

The project to build the tunnel has been plagued with problems and has suffered numerous delays, due to a wide range of reasons. The geology of the tunnel route was far more challenging than had been originally envisaged, requiring changes to the construction methods used. Firms previously working on the project have also suffered from shortages of financing, resulting in further delays and halts to progress.

Measuring 8.6km in length, the tunnel will be one of the longest in Latin America when complete. Challenges to its construction have also included the altitude of the portals, with the western end at 2,420m and the eastern end at 2,505m. The tunnel will replace a mountain pass that is not able to cope safely with the volumes of traffic it currently has to handle as it is too narrow and has too many sharp curves, as well as having insufficient capacity.

Road Structures

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Vietnam’s latest highway and tunnel projects
    October 21, 2014
    In Vietnam work is now being carried out on a new highway to connect southern province to Central Highlands, while progress is being achieved on the Ca Pass Tunnel project. A 200km highway has been proposed that will link Dong Nai province with Lam Dong province. The project would extend from Thong Nhat Commune in Dong Nai to Lam Dong's Lien Khuong-Prenn highway and is subject to approval from Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport. The project will commence in 2015 if the required approval is given, and will then
    Read More
  • Hinergia bridge project finds federal funding
    March 27, 2017
    A budget worth nearly US$252 million will help pay for bridge design and construction work as well as bridge repair activities in 12 states across Nigeria. The budget has been approved by Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC). Meanwhile $475 million is being budgeted for the engineering and consultancy work required for the Second Niger Bridge that will connect the city of Asaba in Delta State with Onitsha in Anambra State. The new bridge is desperately required as the existing structure is in poor cond
    Read More
  • Gordie Howe Bridge opening date set
    January 15, 2024
    The bridge connecting Detroit in the US state of Michigan and Windsor in the Canadian province of Ontaria will open in September next year.
    Read More
  • Nynas reorganisation complete
    December 9, 2020
    Nynas has completed its reorganisation work.
    Read More

Highlighted Content