Chile's public works ministry (MOP) has received three bids for the international tender to build and operate the Industrial bridge concession in southern region VIII. The firms bidding are the following:

• Besalco Concesiones - Concesiones Viarias Chile Tres S.A. (ACS Group),
• Sacyr Concesiones Chile S.A., and
• OHL Concesiones Chile S.A.

Technical and economic offers were received and opened on November 15th, while economic offers are scheduled to be opened December 13th, according to a notice published on MOP's website.

The bridge will go across the Biobío river and connect the Hualpén and San Pedro de la Paz municipalities. Work involves construction of a 2.5km, four-lane bridge, as well as access roads and roads to connect the bridge with Ruta 160 highway, for a total of 6.5km of work.

The project also entails construction of a train overpass, drainage, pedestrian and bicycle lanes, lighting and safety features.

The 30-year concession has an estimated investment of  US$210 million.

Construction is scheduled to start during the first semester of 2014 and start of operations will happen in early 2017.