Colombian costs climb

Major cost increases are expected for the 1,250km Autopistas de la Montana highways project in Colombia. According to local company ISA, the cost of the project will exceed the projected US$3.5 billion. However the new links are expected to offer better transport connections and boost travel speeds.

Colombia's Transport minister Miguel Peñaloza said the government intends to award key national motorway maintenance contracts from June 2013, starting with the contract for the section between La Pintada and La Manuela, part of Autopistas de la Prosperidad. The second contract would be awarded in December of the same year, said Peñaloza, with all contracts due to last be six years. ISA will not be taking part in any of the projects.