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’s Toyo Tunnel project underway
    September 14, 2018
    Construction is ongoing for Colombia’s Toyo tunnel project in Antioquia. The tunnel is located between Giraldo and Canasgordas and some 120km from Medellin. The tunnel should open to traffic in 2024 if the project sticks to its planned schedule. The main tunnel section will measure some 9.85km-long although the project involves drilling side tunnels and emergency areas. The work is costing US$588.4 million.
    Read More
  • Colombia’s Toyo Tunnel project in hand
    May 31, 2019
    Progress is being made for Colombia’s Toyo Tunnel project. Around 20% of the work has been carried out. Building the tunnel and the first stage of the connecting highway sections in Antioquia includes the construction of 17 bridges, seven tunnel sections and 4.4km of road. Tendering for the second stage of the project is due to start soon and will include building a further 19.4km of highway. The Toyo Tunnel project and the entire highway was originally expected to cost US$603.5 million but is now expected
    Read More
  • Two major Indian highway links under construction
    July 21, 2022
    Two major Indian highway links are under construction.
    Read More
  • Major Necaxa-Tihuatlan Highway project for Mexico
    October 1, 2014
    A new highway in Mexico is connecting Necaxa with Tihuatlan and the project features challenging terrain - Mauro Nogarin reports In Mexico a landmark highway project is now close to completion, having set a number of records for Latin America.
    Read More

Highlighted Content