Chile’s Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has launched the tender process for the concession of the Ruta Nahuelbuta (Highway 180) road PPP project.

Highway 180, between the cities of Los Angeles (Bío Bío Region) and Huequén (Region of Araucanía), is a simple two-way carriageway whose capacity has been surpassed by current traffic flows, causing it to offer low safety and operational standards. 

Works entail improvements on 55 km of the Highway 180 highway, expanding the road to four lanes and building a bridge over the Biobío river in the Coihue district. The construction of 22 footbridges, installation of rainwater drainage, and improvements to signage and lighting will also be included in the project. The development will increase the road's traffic capacity and safety levels.

The project has an official budget of US$241 million with a concession period of 35 years.

This project will improve connectivity between the municipalities of Negrete, Nacimiento and Los Ángeles in the VIII Region, as well as the municipalities of Angol and Renaico i Region.

The deadline to submit proposals is on or before January 31, 2017.