Progress with Agua Negra tunnel connecting Argentina and Chile

Discussions between Argentina and Chile over the new Agua Negra tunnel to connect the two countries are proving fruitful. A bi-national commission is overseeing the project and assessing bids, with the construction work expected to cost in the region of US$1.5 billion. Technical proposals will have to be submitted by February 2017, with economic bids made by May 2017. The winner of the tender could be announced in early 2018, with the first excavation work then commencing in late 2018 or early 2019. This wi
October 11, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
Discussions between Argentina and Chile over the new Agua Negra tunnel to connect the two countries are proving fruitful. A bi-national commission is overseeing the project and assessing bids, with the construction work expected to cost in the region of US$1.5 billion. Technical proposals will have to be submitted by February 2017, with economic bids made by May 2017. The winner of the tender could be announced in early 2018, with the first excavation work then commencing in late 2018 or early 2019. This will be a challenging project to carry out due to the tough environment at the working areas on either side of the border. The tunnel portals will be at altitude, which will present challenges due to severe winter weather as well as the remoteness of the sites. Given the technical complexity of the project as well as the challenges it will present, it seems likely that tenders will be made by consortia banding together to bring group expertise as well as funding to the work.
Road Structures

Related Content

  • Chile-Argentina tunnel project progress
    October 20, 2017
    Further progress is being made with the landmark Agua Negra Tunnel project that will connect Argentina and Chile. The new tunnel will run through the Andes mountain range, providing an improved highway link between the two nations, boosting trade and transport. The consortia pre-qualified for the tender process will be announced during November 2017.
    Read More
  • Agua Negra tunnel between Chile and Argentina
    May 15, 2014
    The current Paso de Agua Negra is the highest border crossing between Chile and Argentina. On the Argentine side, the Agua Negra Pass is located at 4,765m above sea level and 260km from the city of San Juan in the province of San Juan in the north-west of the country. On the Chilean side, the pass lies 229km from the city of La Serena in the Coquimbo region. The pass can be accessed from the Argentine side via National Highway No 150 from the province of La Rioja, which runs for a total of 390km. From the C
    Read More
  • Plans are moving ahead on the new Argentina-Chile tunnel
    June 24, 2013
    Plans are progressing with regard to the Agua Negra tunnel that will connect Argentina and Chile and is expected to cost in excess of US$850 million. The authorities in San Juan province are calling for proposals to construct the tunnel and have published the terms and conditions for the tender. Those interested in the project will have to submit their proposals before 4th October 2013. A number of companies have shown an interest in the project including firms from Brazil, China, Germany, South Korea, Swit
    Read More
  • Border crossing boost for Chile and Argentina
    February 24, 2012
    The authorities in Chile and Argentina are discussing upgrades that can be made to several border crossings between the two countries.
    Read More

Highlighted Content