New Chile-Argentina tunnel project to open for bids

The bidding process for the Agua Negra Tunnel project that will link Chile with Argentina looks set to commence in July or August 2016. The bidding is being organised jointly by the governments of both Chile and Argentina. One source of funding for the project is also now secured, with a loan of US$1.5 billion being provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). In addition the IADB has also approved $20 million in funding for Chile and Argentina to finance the project's environmental impact studie
April 19, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The bidding process for the Agua Negra Tunnel project that will link Chile with Argentina looks set to commence in July or August 2016. The bidding is being organised jointly by the governments of both Chile and Argentina. One source of funding for the project is also now secured, with a loan of US$1.5 billion being provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). In addition the IADB has also approved $20 million in funding for Chile and Argentina to finance the project's environmental impact studies. The tunnel will measure close to 14km once complete.

The project will be challenging as the tunnel will be built at a fairly high altitude. Chilean engineers in particular are experienced with tunnelling projects, although the competence of the rock conditions have not so far been revealed. Weather conditions can be tough in the area around the two planned portal sites.

However despite the challenges, this new route is much needed. It will improve transport connections considerably as the two existing routes are both subject to closures in bad weather and one in particular, a high mountain pass, is also unsuited to heavy vehicles.
Finance & Funding Road Structures

Related Content

  • Interest strong in Chile-Argentina tunnel project
    September 1, 2015
    Interest is proving to be strong in the new Agua Negra Tunnel project which will link Argentina with Chile. A number of Chinese contractors are showing strong interest in the project.
    Read More
  • Mega city transport in Mexico
    June 13, 2012
    Rapid urban growth is resulting in massive mega cities with major transport needs and Mexico City is one of the world’s largest – Mike Woof reports Mexico City is a vast, sprawling metropolis and one of the world’s largest cities, resulting in huge problems for its inhabitants, particularly with regard to infrastructure. Measuring population size is an inexact science for large cities as suburban areas can add to the figures considerably, especially in developing nations where unplanned expansion is as comm
    Read More
  • Colombia key tunnel project – new completion date
    March 6, 2019
    A new completion date has been set for the La Linea Tunnel project in Colombia. The work should now be finished in late 2020, although the project was originally intended to be ready by late 2016. The various contracts to complete the Cruce de la Cordillera Central route will be awarded in April 2019 by the national road institute (Invias). The contracts will include strict measures to ensure that contractors will comply with all the terms of the deal. The Colombian Government previously allotted US$204.5 m
    Read More
  • Argentina road works; funding secured
    August 2, 2019
    Funding has been secured for a series of road works in Argentina. The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) is providing US$300 million in the shape of a loan for work on a number of key routes. The road projects being targeted include Routes 6 and Route 8 in Rio Negro; Route 23 in Villa Elisa; the Gualeguaychu ring-road; Route 1 in Catamarca. Meanwhile the finance package forms part of a much wider plan from the IADB to develop infrastructure in Argentina.
    Read More

Highlighted Content