The 968 Chilean Government is planning a series of major highway projects with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) managing the works. The plans call for 14 concessions worth a total of US$3.74 billion to be awarded by January 2018. The second stage of Americo Vespucio Oriente highway (AVO 2) is costing $800 million and is a priority project. This has been delayed already and opening of the route is now expected for 2022. Five regional highways are also opening for tender, including the Ruta G-21 road link, which was also delayed.
And design study has been carried out for the upgrade of the road between La Serena and Vicuna. The plans call for the route to widened, with twin lanes in either direction. The existing route is proving unable to cope with the current traffic load and has serious structural issues. The Coquimbo area will also see preparatory works for the Agua Negra tunnel project, which will connect Chile with Argentina. The tunnel should take 10 years to complete.
Meanwhile the tender process for the Camino de la Fruta road project will now open in July 2017, although it was originally intended to commence in April 2017. The contract for the $600 million road project will be awarded before the current administration leaves office in March 2018.
