Interest strong for Colombia key tunnel project

Interest is strong in the project to complete Colombia’s key tunnel construction contract. In all 23 firms have shown interest in the package of works to complete the La Linea tunnel project, according to the Colombian national road institute (Invias). The Colombian Government is providing US$204.5 million to complete the project. The current target is for the tunnel to be completed by 2020, although the link was originally supposed to be ready for traffic in late 2016. Construction work on the link commenc
January 22, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
Interest is strong in the project to complete Colombia’s key tunnel construction contract. In all 23 firms have shown interest in the package of works to complete the La Linea tunnel project, according to the Colombian national road institute (2812 Invias). The Colombian Government is providing US$204.5 million to complete the project. The current target is for the tunnel to be completed by 2020, although the link was originally supposed to be ready for traffic in late 2016. Construction work on the link commenced in 2008 and when it finally opens to traffic the tunnel will be 8.6km in length, making it the longest road tunnel in Latin America. The project has been subject to a string of delays, with unforeseen geological challenges having hindered progress during the early stages, and financing shortcomings having posed problems later on.


The La Linea tunnel forms part of the Cruce de la Cordillera Central road link, which will connect Calarca in Quindio Department with Cajamarca in Tolima Department. The existing stretch of National Route 40 between the two towns is narrow and features numerous sharp curves as it passes through a mountain region. The road has a poor safety record, with a crash rate around four times higher than the average for Colombian roads, and is struggling to cope with the volume of traffic it handles. Upgrading the National Route 40 stretch will help boost capacity and safety, and also cut journey times for drivers. The project includes building 31 bridge and 25 tunnel sections, three interchanges and 18km of dual carriageway.

Finance & Funding

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Colombia bridge collapse cause indentified
    May 3, 2018
    The recent collapse of the Chirajara Bridge in Colombia has been attributed to design flaws. The Colombian Government has said that it will not pay for rebuilding the structure. Instead, the Colombian Government expects road company Coviandes and its insurance cover to pay for the rebuilding work. The remains of the collapsed structure have yet to be demolished completely. A number of contractors have expressed an interest in building the new bridge, with the work expected to take around 18-24 months to car
    Read More
  • Poland's ambitious highway construction plans
    July 10, 2012
    The European football championships are among a number of things pushing Poland's ambitious highway building programme. Patrick Smith reports. Poland is planning to spend a colossal €4.57 billion on road projects in 2009, a 35% increase over the previous year. T
    Read More
  • Tunnels - an environmentally attractive option?
    February 21, 2012
    While tunnels are often more expensive than bridges, they can offer environmentally attractive options for transport schemes. Tunnels offer environmentally attractive options for a range of transport infrastructure schemes, but in many cases high construction costs may restrict their use.
    Read More
  • Road transport key to Africa's trade links
    February 17, 2012
    Road transport is the key to improving Africa's links within its own territory, and further afield as Patrick Smith reports. Development of road transportation is the key to the future of the African economy, and countries on the continent are making great strides. According to a report by a transport infrastructure expert at the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), within the next 15 years the value of trade in Africa could reach US$250 billion if a $32 billion investment is made to integrate
    Read More

Highlighted Content