Skip to main content

Chile-Argentina Agua Negra Tunnel latest news

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.
September 28, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
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. The 10 consortia comprise 26 contractors from countries including Argentina, Chile, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Up to US$1.5 billion of the funding required will be provided by the IADB.

The Agua Negra Tunnel will provide a much needed link between the two countries. At present drivers have the choice of an existing tunnel or a mountain pass. However the tunnel lies at altitude and is often blocked in winter. The mountain pass is narrow and has very twisty connecting roads of questionable safety meaning that it is not suitable for heavy vehicles, while it is even more likely to be blocked by snow in winter.

Related Content

  • Argentina road and transport projects receiving funding
    April 3, 2017
    Argentina looks set to benefit from a series of major new transport projects. Loans worth up to US$650 million will help pay for a series of projects, including Argentina’s contribution to the Agua Negra Tunnel link with neighbouring Chile. The loans will be organised by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). A further loan of $156 million to road concession company AUSA will help pay for transport projects in Buenos Aires, including the construction of the Lacarra Bridge to connect with Lanus and upgr
  • US$700 million for new Argentina bridge
    November 27, 2023
    A US$700 million loan is helping pay for new bridge in Argentina.
  • Norway’s record breaking undersea road tunnel
    February 25, 2015
    The world's deepest road tunnel is currently in construction near Stavanger in Norway but is only the prelude to even larger projects - report and photographs by Adrian Greeman. Norway's convoluted coastline of fjords and high mountains is famously scenic but also a major problem for transport and connections. The country has long experience of constructing tunnels as a result. Now a series of tunnels underway, or in design, around the oil industry city of Stavanger will stretch its skills more than usual.
  • Major plans for Chilean infrastructure development
    March 14, 2014
    A major plan for infrastructure is being put forward for Chile. Chile's Construction chamber (CChC) has presented a plan for some US$40 billion in infrastructure improvements to the new Chilean Government. The CChC has highlighted the concession model as being the most effective tool for encouraging private investment in infrastructure. The CChC suggests that Chile has a critical need for infrastructure development, but a serious shortfall of public funds according to a report by Business News Americas. Roa