The Ministry of Public Works has called for bids for a new high-standard route between San Pedro de La Paz and Coronel for an investment of US$416 million in Chile.

The new route is intended to offer the Biobío Region an alternative roadway to alleviate congestion in the urban areas of San Pedro de la Paz and Coronel, serving as an alternative to the current Route 160. Stretching nearly 20 km, the route will consist of two lanes in each direction and will involve various infrastructure improvements to enhance traffic flow and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and local communities. Situated along the Nahuelbuta Mountain Range, east of Route 160, the Pie Monte Route will link to the Puente Industrial Road Concession in the north and the Route 160 Concession, Tres Pinos Section – North Access to Coronel in the south. The project encompasses a comprehensive road system featuring signage, lighting, controlled intersections, and evacuation routes in case of tsunamis. This development is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the area, transforming Route 160 into an urban thoroughfare, while redirecting heavy truck traffic and long-distance flows.

Key components of the project include:

• the construction of a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction;
• six controlled intersections;
• a bridge spanning approximately 300 m over Laguna La Posada;
• seven crossings to connect transversal roads; and
• the construction of local roads and pedestrian sidewalks in specific sections of the route.

The project also incorporates various infrastructure elements such as controlled intersections (links), underpasses, overpasses, intersections, level accesses, walkways, lighting installations, landscaping, road safety measures, and the installation of electronic toll gates (free flow), among other features. Construction is slated to commence in the first half of 2029, with the route anticipated to become operational in the second half of 2032.