Project building new Biobio bridge in Chile on track

Construction work on the fourth bridge spanning Chile’s Biobio Bridge is proceeding on schedule. The project site is located in Chile’s Gran Concepcion area. Construction could commence in 2016, with completion expected in 2018. Environmental studies have yet to be completed however. The work will be carried out as part of a concession package and the bridge is expected to cost some US$214 million to construct, carrying two lanes for vehicle traffic as well as claiming pedestrian and cycling connectivity. The design of the structure has yet to be finalised but the bridge itself will feature a 2.5km long section over the river, while the project length will be 6km due to the need to construct access roads. The new Biobio Bridge will be Chile’s longest, until the country’s Chacao Crossing is completed. The bridge is expected to carry a great deal of truck traffic between Talcahuano and Coronel and will be tolled, although Chile’s Truck Owner’s Association has complained that the projected tolls are now more costly than originally proposed. The northern access for the new bridge will be at the river mouth in Hualpen while to the south it will connect to the Los Batros Bridge in San Pedro de la Paz.