The National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) has announced that representatives of the community in Turbaco and Arjona have rejected a proposal to move forward with the Autopistas del Caribe - Cartagena-Barranquilla freight corridor project in Colombia.
This project is a private initiative requiring US$6.2 billion for development and relies on toll collection as a source of income to fund investments in new infrastructure, as well as the operation and maintenance of the existing corridor. The project encompasses several key elements, including the establishment of 253 km for operation and maintenance, construction of 8 intersections, 74.58 km of dual carriageway, 19.80 km of variant construction, and 16 pedestrian bridges.
During the project's development, the ANI proposed 2 options regarding differential rates for the Turbaco and Arjona communities. Additionally, the relocation of the Turbaco toll booth was suggested after conducting a relocation study. However, members of the 'NO+Peajes Family' rejected both proposals at that time, insisting on the complete and permanent removal of the toll booth from the Department of Bolívar. Following a meeting in Bogotá, a final alternative was presented to the 'NO+Peajes Family,' aiming to ensure the project's continuity while addressing the community's concerns. The proposal included the following points:
- Resume toll collection from categories III onwards.
- Waive toll charges for categories I and II for a period of 1 year.
- Relocate the toll station out of Turbaco, contingent upon the completion of a socioeconomic study to assess the impact.
This proposal aimed to strike a balance between sustaining the project's progress and addressing the community's interests.
