Skip to main content

Delays have hit Chile’s Chacao Bridge project

Delays now look likely to affect the construction programme for Chile’s Chacao Bridge project. The US$740 million bridge project, long in planning, has been delayed on previous occasions for a number of reasons. The tolled link will connect Chiloé Island with the Chilean mainland in its Region X once complete. This 2.6km link will become South America’s largest suspension bridge although its opening will reduce journey times considerably over 25-45 minutes taken by the ferries used at present to link with C
August 28, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Delays now look likely to affect the construction programme for Chile’s Chacao Bridge project. The US$740 million bridge project, long in planning, has been delayed on previous occasions for a number of reasons. The tolled link will connect Chiloé Island with the Chilean mainland in its Region X once complete. This 2.6km link will become South America’s largest suspension bridge although its opening will reduce journey times considerably over 25-45 minutes taken by the ferries used at present to link with Chiloé Island over the Chacao Channel. According to Chile's public works ministry, MOP, has moved back the tender process for the project towards the end of 2013.

The concession should be awarded in early 2014 with construction work itself commencing in 2015 and the structure opening to traffic in 2019. Eight consortia pre-qualified for the tender process. These are: Isei Joint Venture, Constructora Puente Chacao (CPC), 3959 Sacyr Samsung 3220 Parsons Puente Chacao, Consorcio Puelche, China Railwaygroup Limited, 3366 China Road and Bridge Corporation, Consorcio Cai Cai Vilu and Consorcio 1511 OAS-236 Hyundai-5549 Systra-Aas Jakobsenv.

Work on the bridge was original supposed to start in 2007 with its opening planned for 2012. However, a substantial increase in the costs estimated by the project team of designer and contractor showed that the price would exceed the limit imposed by the 968 Chilean Government. The project was cancelled, prompting an outcry from those on the island and was then revived in 2009 as a fall in the cost of steel made it economically feasible once more.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Major bridge project planned for Chile
    September 14, 2012
    Strong interest is being shown in the construction sector in Chile for the project to build the Chacao Bridge. The tender process is due to open in the first half of 2013 and a large number of contractors, over 30, have already acquired terms and conditions of the works package. The construction project is expected to cost US$740 million.
  • Ayesa secures contract on Panama Canal bridge project
    November 25, 2019
    Spanish engineering firm Ayesa has been awarded a US$4.7 million contract to be the independent engineer for reviewing construction of the fourth Panama canal bridge.
  • New Biobio bridge for Chile
    September 16, 2015
    A key bridge project is expected to commence in Chile in January 2016. This will be for the second Bicentario Bridge, as well as a number of connecting roads that will link San Pedro de la Paz and Concepcion in Biobio. Construction of the second Biobio Bridge has been delayed due to an earlier tender award being cancelled. The first bridge has already been completed. According to Chile’s Ministry of Public Works (MOP), four firms have placed bids to build the second Bicentenario Bridge and the aim is to hav
  • 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.