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

  • Companies currently carrying out key Colombian construction contracts
    July 17, 2014
    A series of major road construction projects are underway in Colombia at present. The country’s national roads institute, Invias, is currently investing in excess of US$646 million on an array of road projects at the moment. One key project is for the construction of a new highway connecting Loboguerrero and Buenaventura. Another important project is for the construction of a new bridge connecting Buenaventura with Cascajal Island, which is due for completion in the second half of this year.
    Read More
  • Major UK tunnel project proposed
    August 19, 2016
    The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has put forward five alternate route options for a new highway connecting the cities of Manchester and Sheffield. The project looks likely to include a major tunnel section measuring as much as 20-30km in length that would run under the Peak District. The aim of the project would be to cut journey times between the two cities as the existing transport routes are prone to peak period congestion and delays at present. The route would connect either the M60 or M67 motorw
    Read More
  • Let’s Boogie in a new tunnel
    July 7, 2020
    The new Victory Boogie Woogie Tunnel will be the most sustainable tunnel in the Netherlands.
    Read More
  • Melbourne’s new $20.4 billion ring road
    July 17, 2025
    Work for Melbourne’s new $20.4 billion ring road will have to be ahead of schedule.
    Read More

Highlighted Content