Skip to main content

Solution found for Colombian tunnel project?

A solution seems to have been found for Colombia’s long-running La Linea Tunnel project. Work has been delayed on the tunnel for a number of reasons and on a number of occasions, most recently due to funding issues. But previous delays were due to such diverse causes as technical challenges posed by the difficult conditions and a lack of suitable insurance cover. The Colombian Government has come to an agreement with the Segundo Centenario consortium building the tunnel that will see construction activity r
March 12, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
RSSA solution seems to have been found for Colombia’s long-running La Linea Tunnel project. Work has been delayed on the tunnel for a number of reasons and on a number of occasions, most recently due to funding issues. But previous delays were due to such diverse causes as technical challenges posed by the difficult conditions and a lack of suitable insurance cover.

The Colombian Government has come to an agreement with the Segundo Centenario consortium building the tunnel that will see construction activity recommence, according to Business News Americas. The US$363 million project has been the focus for major negotiations between both parties over the last few months while a solution has been searched for. Earlier this year, work stalled and the consortium faced having its contract cancelled by the state road authority 2812 Invias. Meanwhile the consortium members were told they could face a ban from working on any state tenders for a five year period.

The Segundo Centenario consortium comprises 11 firms: Condux, Constructora Herreña Fronpeca Colombia, Álvarez y Collins, Constructora Carlos Collis, Constructora Montecarlo Vías, Túneles de Colombia, Construirte, Gaico Ingenieros Constructores, H&H Arquitectura and Feluca.

This new compromise deal means that the consortium has to complete the tunnel by the end of November 2016. An additional $125 million is being provided to pay for the completion work. The 8.5km tunnel will link Colombia’s capital Bogota with the country’s main port, Buenaventura, and was originally planned for completion by November 2014. The tunnel is around 75% complete and the project also includes the construction of a 24km highway. When the route is finished it will cut journey times for commuters and also for the many heavy trucks driving between the port and Bogota, as well as improving safety over the existing road.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovative road/drainage tunnel plan for Jakarta
    February 16, 2015
    An innovative combined road and drainage tunnel is being proposed for Indonesia’s capital Jakarta. A study is underway at the moment for this novel integrated tunnel project, which is expected to cost in the region of US$1.88 billion. Work is due to commence during 2015, with the initial phase of the construction being carried out by Antaredja Mulia Jaya. The project is calling for two 12km tunnels that will help alleviate flooding in the city during periods of high rainfall as well as featuring a road. The
  • Colombian bridge now complete
    September 29, 2020
    A key Colombian bridge replacement is now complete.
  • Kuwait fund KFAED to contribute to greater Tunis X20 ring road
    March 18, 2015
    The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) is to contribute US$28.5 million towards the X20 ring road of greater Tunis, according to a report in L'Economiste Maghrébin. An agreement was signed on 17 March between Yassine Brahim, the Tunisian minister for development, investment and international cooperation, and Ahmed Al Badr, the managing director of KFAED. World Highways reported in June 2013 that the government was moving ahead with plans for the 80km ring road expected to cost around $365 mil
  • IRF-Washington to host Third Latin America Regional Congress
    May 28, 2012
    IRF will host the Third Latin America Regional Congress at the Crowne Plaza Tequendama Hotel in Bogotá, Colombia, from 8-11 November 2010 with the support of Colombia's Highway Safety Prevention Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Colombian Ministry of Transport, the National Institute of Concessions, the National Highway Institute, and the Mobility Department of the City of Bogotá. The Congress will feature direct participation by leading local and regional decision-makers, including notably Ger